Post by: Graeme on 06 August, 2017, 12:38:08 pm
(Blogging made harder by the loss of sensation in two fingers on each hand!)
Post by: Peter on 06 August, 2017, 12:43:03 pm
Post by: Graeme on 06 August, 2017, 12:45:39 pm
Post by: Peter on 06 August, 2017, 12:55:20 pm
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 August, 2017, 01:36:20 pm
(Blogging made harder by the loss of sensation in two fingers on each hand!)
You got a nose, Sir! Use that ;D
Lovely to meet you chaps at long last at BC southbound.
Post by: Deano on 06 August, 2017, 02:42:18 pm
Understand the difficulty in typing, G.! I spent four days sticking my fingers up at riders I knew!
And we love you for it :-*
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4432/35596035493_c02390ef1c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WeuZcT)
Post by: Graeme on 06 August, 2017, 02:45:01 pm
Understand the difficulty in typing, G.! I spent four days sticking my fingers up at riders I knew!
And we love you for it :-*
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4432/35596035493_c02390ef1c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WeuZcT)
Peter, please come here for a photograph... left a bit... the light is right just here. Perfect... Now smile. :)
Post by: mcshroom on 06 August, 2017, 03:28:33 pm
I thought it was a rather strange choice of merchandise :facepalm:
Post by: Graeme on 06 August, 2017, 03:30:27 pm
Post by: CrinklyUncle on 06 August, 2017, 03:48:18 pm
Anyone else read this title as LEL 2017 Bog Roll?
I did!
Post by: jsabine on 07 August, 2017, 01:32:41 pm
Understand the difficulty in typing, G.! I spent four days sticking my fingers up at riders I knew!
You were most terribly rude, sir. I think I heard more Anglo-Saxon during my too-short time at Eskdalemuir than during the whole of the rest of the ride.
Post by: Alexander Turner on 07 August, 2017, 01:39:59 pm
Post by: Peter on 07 August, 2017, 06:10:35 pm
Understand the difficulty in typing, G.! I spent four days sticking my fingers up at riders I knew!
You were most terribly rude, sir. I think I heard more Anglo-Saxon during my too-short time at Eskdalemuir than during the whole of the rest of the ride.
You're welcome, John - you did at least get the bed of honour! Glad you made it back in good time.
Post by: jon.pavelin on 07 August, 2017, 10:33:27 pm
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Post by: Graeme on 07 August, 2017, 10:47:13 pm
Thanks for the opportunity to gratuitously post a link to my write up and a few pics - http://www.monaxle.com/2017/08/07/audax-lel-2017/ Looking forward to reading what others made of it all. A truly memorable event.
Thanks for that - now I know the medical reason my hands are tingling and I'm also interested in those Randonneur bars... although I'd also been thinking of tri-bars as I found resting on the tops quite comfortable too.
Post by: Peter on 08 August, 2017, 02:33:48 am
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=104325.50
Quite a few musical refs. which shouldn't surprise some of you! See what you can spot (not all were intentional!). I'm thinking of copyrighting "To Farlowe" for being "Out Of Time"........
Post by: Graeme on 08 August, 2017, 12:16:24 pm
;D
Here. (http://balancingontwowheels.com/2017/08/remembering-london-edinburgh-london/)
Post by: Peter on 08 August, 2017, 12:45:36 pm
Thanks again!
Peter
Post by: basset on 08 August, 2017, 12:53:36 pm
London Edinburgh London ride report 2017
Kath. "I think you might have shingles "
Me "What's that"
Kath "Ask Paula when you see here later to be sure"
Paula " Yep that's defo shingles get to the doctor and make sure he gives you the big horse pills "
Not idea preparation for my main goal of the year , but the doctor gave me the horse pills as he clearly new not to mess with Paula 😉 and did not section me when I told him what I was doing in less than two weeks time but then he rock climbs so is as bad as us lot 👍
Off with Kath down to the start on the Saturday to get signed on the a early night ready for the 5 am start slightly nervous how my body would behave as I had only rode one 20 mile bike check in the previous two weeks , but I had finished the antivirals on the Wednesday and they seemed to have done there job.
Sunday 4am set off to ride from the travel lodge to the start in light rain.
Probably 100 people in group A all seemed keen to crack on with it.
Set off at a good speed everyone sticking together a bit of talking going on , I tried to stay near the front out of any trouble but out of the wind as we had a cross head all the way one day one , the pace got quicker as we reached the first control at St Ives so the field got more strung out I was in the first group to arrive but got held up when my Brevet card did not electronically sink so lost a few riders.
100k done set off to Spaulding teamed up with a chap called Luke from Sheffield, it's a small world as he had ridden Transcontinental in 2013 ( finishing 17th) and new a friend of mine who had done the race the same year finishing just in front of him .
We were joined by about another 6 riders all foreign and due to the wind we were strung out echelons all across the fenland roads. I was very careful at this point as some of the riders were a bit hap hazard and the worst happened as a chap from Canada touched wheels hit the kerb and ended up on his head gashing his arm and leg thankfully he said he was ok to continue so I had words with the others and tired to sort the train out into two lines instead of one which worked better to a fashion but certainly not up to a captain Dave's C ride std.
Arrived at Spaulding grabbed a bit of food from the well maned control and set off with a few others to Louth .
Now I remember riding with the same group to Louth but I must have needed a bit more of food here than some of the others as I was on my own here till the other side of the Humber bridge where i caught back up to the Canadian Fred who said he was going off a bit and the others were a bit fast for him.
We rode together to Pocklington and the Thirsk where I left Fred and carried on alone but was starting to feel very fatigued and after a few hours had to mentally make piece with myself that a was struggling and if I continued much further was likely to do myself more harm than good so I resolved myself to meeting up with kath at the travel lodge at scotch corner 2 miles off route and getting some sleep and trying to recover.
Kath was stopping there a couple of nights just in case it all went belly up and I became ill or the shingles came back.
280 miles done which was 70 less than I had hoped but I was in a nice bed washed and changed and was off before 4am the next day feeling a lot better.
Next it was Barnard Castle for a brief stop the up and over Yad moss down to Alston and across to Brampton I was on my own all this time but as I'm was feeling even more grumpy than normal this was probably for the best .
Bit of food at Brampton where I saw Chris Crossland and off up the road to Gretna and up to Moffat cross/slight head all the way , bit of a stop and food again and the big climb from here and a long descent to Edinburgh where for the only time on the ride it was tail wind all the way 🙃🙃💨💨.
Another quick stop where a nice chap cleaned and oiled my chain 👍 and back out and into a cross or block head wind , on the way Innerleithen I caught up with another 8 riders or so and we then road together to the next control at Eskdalemuir .
It was about 9-30 by this time and we decided to ride together back down to Brampton as there is safety in numbers at night so we headed out .
I was starting to go off by now but had been feeling much better all day and was feeling nothing like as bad as the day before.
We arrived at Brampton at about 12-30 to be told that all the beds and floors space was taken 😳😳 Chris Crossland phone ahead to Alston which was about another 40k away to see if there was room there but that was full too 😢😢but he found me a bit of floor space (thanks Chris) but due to it being a hard wooden floor by a door I just lay there for 2 to 3 hours resting as mentally and physically I did not feel I could have ridden over Yad moss and the 80 odd k it would have been back to Barnard Castle.
Got up before 4 am to find a massive que for food so grabbed a banana and headed off into the dark and the climb up to Alston I could not find the control here which was not mandatory so headed off up Yad moss but was out of food 🙄
Now this is what makes cycling/Audax so great , I caught up a chap who let me have two mini mars bars on the climb from his magic bar bag I will be eternally grateful for this act of kindness.
Anyway I dropped him on the descent and never saw him again 🙄sorry .
In my defence I have posted my thanks to him on the Yacf forum
Barnard Castle reached shower breakfast and had caught up with Luke from day one so we rode on together pick up another rider on the route back to Thirsk and briefly met up with Kath again .
Now it's funny what can drive you mad 😡 but apart from Andy T I have a particular loathing for(and we won't mention teachers either) noisy freehubs and this French guy had one as loud as a Hope freehub I just new somewhere along the line these Frenches would send/do something to try and derail me . I really wanted to kill him after 30k I mean really 👀👀🔫.
Got to Thirsk and thankfully me and Luke were in and out before him I was still feeling good probably better than Luke at this stage so spent more time on the front.
Pocklington reached again and it would now be a long 100k back over the Humber bridge to Louth but fortunately I had arranged to meet kath on the far side of the bridge to stock up with supplies and change over to a new charged light .
20k before the bridge the sleep deprivation kicked in and I start feeling cold and was shaking ,I told Luke to crack on and get anything he needed from kath but he stopped with me and sat on the front .
Kath saved my life by meeting us we both had some milkshakes and I got in the car to sleep while Luke pressed on .
40 mins later I was awake bit of food and coffee and I was back on the road feeling much better, the bodies can do some amazing things.
Power on to Louth were I was in and out quickly enough to rejoin Luke on the long 100k leg into the wind to Spaulding this would be mainly in the dark as it was 9-30 when we left Louth .
I was ok for the first 2 to 3 hours , I mean everything hurt (we won't talk about the nappy rash 🙈) but again I was probably feeling better than Luke.
But the last hour mentality and physically I was not enjoying my lot but Luke dragged me to the control where he said he was carrying on and I thanked him and needed some sleep/rest.
It was 12-30 I had been on the road since before 4am .
Up and off again before 4am it was off back to St Ives 80k 30 mph block head winds gusting in the fens 🙄.
Now all I will say about this is you know your getting into a really bad place when you start singing Swedish house mafia to yourself and you can't sing and don't know the words 🙈🔫
Made it to St Ives caught up with some more riders including Yasmin Muller who is going for the women's lands end to John record at the end of the month, I left the control before them having had 2nd breakfast and it was 80k to the last control before the finish via Cambridge I was not in any shape to appreciate the buildings in Cambridge the roads were so bad and my ass so sore it was beyond me about 50k into the 80 I stopped at a Petrol station to eat half a tube of pringles stuff the rest in a pocket had a mars bar but still 10 k further had completely gone pop and was sat down in a bus shelter whimpering by text to Kath (what my dad from Yorkshire would think if he finds out I dare to think) . I had a proper proper talk to myself and got back on the bike (which really did not help coz I had to sit on that fookin saddle again )😉
Dragged myself 20k to the control probably the worst 20k of my life.
I was going to have a sleep but the helpers made me two cups of tea (3sugars😳) and a bacon and egg sandwich and I perked up a bit , had another talk to myself about Yorkshire and my dad and its only 50k to the finish man up etc you get the idea and I set off .
Last leg was not so bad more sheltered from the wind more up and down finished 1-20 pm 80 hours 20 mins .
I'm not sure but I was in the first 15 back if I'm honest although I said I wanted to get under 80 hours I was hoping to get nearer 70 .
First back was67 hours I think and I now know I could not do that he's definitely special .
Luke must have had some food when I went to bed and decided he too needed sleep and he came in two hours after me I would probably have waited for him if I had known.
Well that's it I'm sore ruined mentally and physically but with bits still attached , I could have gone faster with full support at each control and a motorhome to grab some sleep in , but it's a bit of a learning curve, will I do another , well I'm not sure ... maybe.
Not unhappy given the lead up and anyone who finishes its a great achievement.
Thanks for all the support and Thanks to Kath ug
◦
Post by: jsabine on 08 August, 2017, 01:11:10 pm
Graeme, that's wonderful. I had no idea you'd had such a struggle - well done. "Team Limp" - perfect! Gordon and Debs were "with" me at Eskdalemuir and a bit close to the limit but looking strong. I know Debs finished - what happened to Gordon's bike? It's a shame he didn't finish; I had a great time riding the last half of the National from Toytown with him a few years ago.
I believe Gordon had a hedge-finding incident before Louth, which cracked an Ergo body (and didn't do him too much good). Debs continued as part of the Tomsk/ACME peloton: I last saw her at Great Easton where, having jumped straight in to blag the last bed, I nobly1 sacrificed it to her for half an hour while I fed myself and talked rubbish to tedshred.
I still can't see her on the finishers' list (unless I need to look under another name), but Tomsk said they'd escorted her in safely on time.
1: This is, inevitably, a LIE. Handing it over to her for a bit *totally* assuaged any feelings of guilt I'd have had about it lying empty while I enjoyed my third dinner/first breakfast of the night.
Post by: Graeme on 08 August, 2017, 01:14:03 pm
Post by: Deano on 08 August, 2017, 01:19:02 pm
Graeme, that's wonderful. I had no idea you'd had such a struggle - well done. "Team Limp" - perfect! Gordon and Debs were "with" me at Eskdalemuir and a bit close to the limit but looking strong. I know Debs finished - what happened to Gordon's bike? It's a shame he didn't finish; I had a great time riding the last half of the National from Toytown with him a few years ago.
I believe Gordon had a hedge-finding incident before Louth, which cracked an Ergo body (and didn't do him too much good). Debs continued as part of the Tomsk/ACME peloton: I last saw her at Great Easton where, having jumped straight in to blag the last bed, I nobly1 sacrificed it to her for half an hour while I fed myself and talked rubbish to tedshred.
I still can't see her on the finishers' list (unless I need to look under another name), but Tomsk said they'd escorted her in safely on time.
No, she's not on there. She did finish in time, so I'm guessing it'll get picked up later.
Post by: DCLane on 08 August, 2017, 02:54:16 pm
Post by: Graeme on 08 August, 2017, 03:56:30 pm
No blog but a write-up on CC: https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/your-ride-today.173254/page-967#post-4911092
Sub 100 hours. Now that was hard riding. Did you get a Charlotte Barnes photo?
Post by: DCLane on 08 August, 2017, 05:21:08 pm
No blog but a write-up on CC: https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/your-ride-today.173254/page-967#post-4911092
Sub 100 hours. Now that was hard riding. Did you get a Charlotte Barnes photo?
Thanks, no photo as I wasn't paying £20 for it. I'm not that hard!
Post by: Somnolent on 08 August, 2017, 07:51:01 pm
Thanks, no photo as I wasn't paying £20 for it. I'm not that hard!
:thumbsup:
me neither and i only managed 115h
Post by: Deano on 08 August, 2017, 11:27:25 pm
https://brbrn.wordpress.com/2017/08/07/london-edinburgh-london/
Post by: Bokonon on 10 August, 2017, 10:16:19 am
Post by: jochta on 10 August, 2017, 12:36:36 pm
Post by: Graeme on 10 August, 2017, 03:04:53 pm
Here's my write up of LEL 2017 - http://www.buttonsofmymind.co.uk/lel-2017/
Nice one jochta - I left two comments by mistake. Still got numb fingers.
Post by: Neil C on 10 August, 2017, 07:13:32 pm
I arrived at Innerleithen eight hours after you having slept at Edinburgh. I realised that I was not going to be able to make up the time and I was suffering with Achilles pain so I called it a day there.
Your return journey matched my plan but my body was not capable of it.
So glad you made it - I've got to wait four years to put my lessons learnt into practice.
Post by: Ajax Bay on 11 August, 2017, 04:02:19 pm
It was great to see the yacf nameplates and ride/chat with some of you (and many others of all nations).
Post by: Alex B on 12 August, 2017, 04:17:58 pm
Post by: dod on 12 August, 2017, 05:50:08 pm
Post by: alotronic on 13 August, 2017, 12:34:11 pm
Not mine (!) - but I quite enjoyed this report from someone who was racing. Part of me thinks we should tell him it's not a race, but I remember seeing this lot coming south at Barnie when I was northbound and thinking how weird it was that we were part of the same event, and at the same time, not.
https://brbrn.wordpress.com/2017/08/07/london-edinburgh-london/
Good to read about the ride from the other end... A bit scary actually. I know I was a bit out of it from time to time but he appears to have been right on the edge for days on end... at 27kph+ average mind you. Stravidence: https://www.strava.com/activities/1123031862 I know it's not a race but I quite like the fact there are a few ultranutters who will take it to the max.
Post by: duracellbunnyonabike on 13 August, 2017, 04:30:04 pm
Post by: Sio2111 on 13 August, 2017, 08:17:57 pm
Post by: Veloman on 13 August, 2017, 09:23:54 pm
Here's my blog from the point of view of a volunteer running the Thirsk control: http://andsl.org/wp/?p=336
Truly wonderful and very insightful.
Many thanks for sharing such information and the stories and many thanks from a very grateful rider.
Post by: Redlight on 13 August, 2017, 09:59:28 pm
Here's my blog from the point of view of a volunteer running the Thirsk control: http://andsl.org/wp/?p=336
Wonderful. I was a rider in 2009 and this year and a volunteer in 2013 so I've seen the event from both sides. I will be a volunteer again in 2021. Your blog reminds me of just how much goes on beneath the surface and how much we riders should appreciate it.
Post by: jochta on 13 August, 2017, 11:39:48 pm
Here's my blog from the point of view of a volunteer running the Thirsk control: http://andsl.org/wp/?p=336
Fantastic write up and a fabulous insight into the workings of a control. I think I only have vague memories of Thirsk as it operated so smoothly with no hassles or delays. Thank you to you and all your volunteers ;D
Post by: alotronic on 15 August, 2017, 12:59:54 pm
My report is now up: Fear and Louthing (boom boom!)
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/fear-and-louthing-lel-2017/
I've had an interesting time writing it - there's a fine line between honesty and bad-mouthing, I hope I am on the right side of the equation. As you know we all get tetchy when sleep deprived and I hope I have managed to communicate that any issues with partners were mine as much as anyone else's.
I have, ahem, borrowed photos as I didn't take a camera. Photos from Jibberjaber, Ivo and Barry Covington feature heavily. Credits are there but if you want me to pull them no worries.
A
Post by: LMT on 15 August, 2017, 01:34:26 pm
Hi all
My report is now up: Fear and Louthing (boom boom!)
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/fear-and-louthing-lel-2017/
I've had an interesting time writing it - there's a fine line between honesty and bad-mouthing, I hope I am on the right side of the equation. As you know we all get tetchy when sleep deprived and I hope I have managed to communicate that any issues with partners were mine as much as anyone else's.
I have, ahem, borrowed photos as I didn't take a camera. Photos from Jibberjaber, Ivo and Barry Covington feature heavily. Credits are there but if you want me to pull them no worries.
A
You were, really good write up. Glad Jonathan got round and made it up with you.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 15 August, 2017, 02:01:27 pm
Post by: paul851 on 15 August, 2017, 02:06:14 pm
Paul
Post by: Peter on 15 August, 2017, 02:07:56 pm
Post by: mattc on 15 August, 2017, 02:10:59 pm
...This should be fun!
I've had an interesting time writing it - there's a fine line between honesty and bad-mouthing, I hope I am on the right side of the equation.
<puts kettle on> ...
;D
Post by: alotronic on 15 August, 2017, 02:37:43 pm
alotronic, a good ride, a good ride report and I am hugely impressed that you were instrumental in helping two other riders (a stranger and a friend) to finish by the skin of their teeth. No wonder you are happy with your accomplishment, it is well deserved.
Cheers LWaB. I remember you calling out to me about the bastard weather on Yad Moss and laughing at it, just what I needed. Shows that a little reality tweaks can really help along the way.
Post by: Pip on 15 August, 2017, 05:39:00 pm
https://stravaddict.wordpress.com/lel-2017/
Post by: Graeme on 15 August, 2017, 06:10:05 pm
Hi all
My report is now up: Fear and Louthing (boom boom!)
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/fear-and-louthing-lel-2017/
I've had an interesting time writing it - there's a fine line between honesty and bad-mouthing, I hope I am on the right side of the equation. As you know we all get tetchy when sleep deprived and I hope I have managed to communicate that any issues with partners were mine as much as anyone else's.
I have, ahem, borrowed photos as I didn't take a camera. Photos from Jibberjaber, Ivo and Barry Covington feature heavily. Credits are there but if you want me to pull them no worries.
A
Gosh that was a hard ride. #understatement
Post by: Von Broad on 15 August, 2017, 08:35:57 pm
My report is now up: Fear and Louthing (boom boom!)
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/fear-and-louthing-lel-2017/
Terrific write up! Well done.
The photographs may not have been yours but they add a lot.
Post by: alotronic on 15 August, 2017, 08:36:25 pm
Purged.....but forever pedalling on the road from Gretna to Moffat.
https://stravaddict.wordpress.com/lel-2017/
Laughed all the way through it - the description of the windy bit is priceless, nice one!
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 15 August, 2017, 09:09:23 pm
Hi all
My report is now up: Fear and Louthing
A truly excellent read!
Post by: blueskies on 15 August, 2017, 09:38:55 pm
Post by: Graeme on 15 August, 2017, 09:43:57 pm
And here is mine: https://duracellbunnyonabike.com/2017/08/13/lel-sign-me-up-for-2021/
I love this write up! I heard you took time to chat to us mortals at Controls... How did you find time! I think you were arriving at Barney southbound when I was leaving northbound. Thank you for this.
Post by: Deano on 15 August, 2017, 11:09:02 pm
https://audaxdarleaux.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/london-edinburgh-london-2017/
Post by: CrinklyLion on 15 August, 2017, 11:35:11 pm
Post by: Graeme on 15 August, 2017, 11:53:21 pm
However, I don't remember any of that. Totally made up. Especially the bits you didn't include. Fabrication the lot of it. I really must wash that Sudocrem out of my shorts before my next ride - you said I couldn't draft a recumbent.
Thank goodness we didn't have to call the police on the road to Alston.
#dogsoflel
#partypeloton
Post by: Deano on 16 August, 2017, 12:19:00 am
Here's my write up of LEL 2017 - http://www.buttonsofmymind.co.uk/lel-2017/
That's a great story - I was willing you to finish all the way from Edinburgh!
Post by: Deano on 16 August, 2017, 12:20:59 am
Noice. But I'll point out that there was in fact an identical milk machine(albeit minus the multi-lingual signage) at the Other Shool, where you were a volunteer, 4 years ago. I remember Catherine the lovely school cook teaching me how to put a new unwieldy milk cuboid into it, including the instruction "then you chop off the willy" - altho we did run out of said unwieldy cuboids and used 6 pinters after that.
Miff was mainly on tea duties! I was far more knackered volunteering than I was riding so the Other School is a blur.
Post by: Pichy on 16 August, 2017, 12:31:49 am
Here's mine - apologies to everyone in advance ;D
https://audaxdarleaux.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/london-edinburgh-london-2017/
Tremendous!
Post by: Pichy on 16 August, 2017, 12:33:55 am
Purged.....but forever pedalling on the road from Gretna to Moffat.
https://stravaddict.wordpress.com/lel-2017/
Outstanding read! You're a fan of Wodehouse and MacDonald Fraser, I'll warrant.
Post by: Duckfoot1606 on 16 August, 2017, 07:04:55 am
A
Post by: Veloman on 16 August, 2017, 09:14:33 am
Here's mine - apologies to everyone in advance ;D
https://audaxdarleaux.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/london-edinburgh-london-2017/
Great report!
Anyone know who the chap was with the Ironman tattoo on his calf (last photo with no rear light)?
Post by: Si S on 16 August, 2017, 11:42:23 am
Here's mine - apologies to everyone in advance ;D
https://audaxdarleaux.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/london-edinburgh-london-2017/
Quote from: Deano
shame my bike frame is 525, and where is the A525 anyway?
Come on Deano, The Old Priest House in Audlem is on it, so you can tick that box ;D
Some cracking reads, thanks all.
Post by: Deano on 16 August, 2017, 07:22:02 pm
Quadrophenia would have been a good blog title. #FacesOfLEL...
However, I don't remember any of that. Totally made up. Especially the bits you didn't include. Fabrication the lot of it. I really must wash that Sudocrem out of my shorts before my next ride - you said I couldn't draft a recumbent.
Thank goodness we didn't have to call the police on the road to Alston.
#dogsoflel
#partypeloton
Oh, the stories I could've told #punkrockvicar
Post by: Graeme on 16 August, 2017, 08:18:26 pm
Quadrophenia would have been a good blog title. #FacesOfLEL...
However, I don't remember any of that. Totally made up. Especially the bits you didn't include. Fabrication the lot of it. I really must wash that Sudocrem out of my shorts before my next ride - you said I couldn't draft a recumbent.
Thank goodness we didn't have to call the police on the road to Alston.
#dogsoflel
#partypeloton
Oh, the stories I could've told #punkrockvicar
Plausible deniability... save it for the LEL reunion beer.
Post by: jayteezim on 17 August, 2017, 07:43:24 am
The first two installments have been posted:
Thank you: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/london-edinburgh-london/
Registration day: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/lel-registraion-day/
Post by: Peter on 17 August, 2017, 11:51:55 am
Dean, I especially liked your roll call of performers not met on the ride. Big bonus from me for getting Lou Rawls and Joe Tex together! you missed Gary Gill (more of that later - it's the eyes).
Post by: Darren Franks on 17 August, 2017, 12:32:56 pm
https://theadventurecapitalist.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/lel-2017-part-1/
Post by: mattc on 17 August, 2017, 12:33:25 pm
Yes - you almost made me glad to be volunteering!Hi all
My report is now up: Fear and Louthing (boom boom!)
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/fear-and-louthing-lel-2017/
I've had an interesting time writing it - there's a fine line between honesty and bad-mouthing, I hope I am on the right side of the equation. As you know we all get tetchy when sleep deprived and I hope I have managed to communicate that any issues with partners were mine as much as anyone else's.
I have, ahem, borrowed photos as I didn't take a camera. Photos from Jibberjaber, Ivo and Barry Covington feature heavily. Credits are there but if you want me to pull them no worries.
A
Gosh that was a hard ride. #understatement
A good read. It was a refereshing change to read about the Dark Side of things; I recognised several situations/issues from long rides that I've done. I thought you handled it well :thumbsup:
Post by: eddum on 17 August, 2017, 12:51:08 pm
Purged.....but forever pedalling on the road from Gretna to Moffat.
https://stravaddict.wordpress.com/lel-2017/
Laughed all the way through it - the description of the windy bit is priceless, nice one!
So many quality quotes right there.... watt a guy this wattmeister is huh. :thumbsup:
Post by: JonJo on 17 August, 2017, 07:48:35 pm
I'm really enjoying everyone's tales - thank you!
Dean, I especially liked your roll call of performers not met on the ride. Big bonus from me for getting Lou Rawls and Joe Tex together! you missed Gary Gill (more of that later - it's the eyes).
Surprised Edmund Byers didn't make an appearance. Sheep farmer with hairy twine round his trouser legs to stop the rats getting in.
Post by: Deano on 17 August, 2017, 10:51:24 pm
Post by: veloboy on 17 August, 2017, 11:02:54 pm
The northbound section of my write-up from the 5am racing group. The southbound part will follow shortly.
https://theadventurecapitalist.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/lel-2017-part-1/
Really nice writing and account - I thoroughly enjoyed reading that, and also Chris' account previously!
I was on the 05:00 start as well, and had planned on riding up from SE London; awakening to the 'monsoon' I was ready to order a cab. And glad I didn't, as that would explain the stationary traffic on Tower Bridge! But at the last moment, it eased a bit, and I set off 03:30 and arrived a bit soggy in Loughton with just 18min to spare.
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 17 August, 2017, 11:28:41 pm
Hi all
My report is now up: Fear and Louthing (boom boom!)
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/fear-and-louthing-lel-2017/
I've had an interesting time writing it - there's a fine line between honesty and bad-mouthing, I hope I am on the right side of the equation. As you know we all get tetchy when sleep deprived and I hope I have managed to communicate that any issues with partners were mine as much as anyone else's.
I have, ahem, borrowed photos as I didn't take a camera. Photos from Jibberjaber, Ivo and Barry Covington feature heavily. Credits are there but if you want me to pull them no worries.
A
The Howardian Hills are North of Pocklington, and the significant climbing in them is West of Hovingam, unless you avoid them entirely.
Post by: jayteezim on 19 August, 2017, 07:58:22 am
I am doing my blog in installments to make both writing and reading an easier task.LEL write up continues- Start, Loughton to Spalding....
The first two installments have been posted:
Thank you: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/london-edinburgh-london/
Registration day: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/lel-registraion-day/
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/19/lel-leg-1-loughton-to-spalding/
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 19 August, 2017, 09:14:31 pm
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 19 August, 2017, 09:20:02 pm
Here's my write up of LEL 2017 - http://www.buttonsofmymind.co.uk/lel-2017/
Great write up. Huge respect for how you stayed with it to the end.
Post by: jochta on 19 August, 2017, 11:10:19 pm
Here's my write up of LEL 2017 - http://www.buttonsofmymind.co.uk/lel-2017/
Great write up. Huge respect for how you stayed with it to the end.
Thank you :)
Post by: York_Badger on 20 August, 2017, 05:03:53 pm
"Experiences of a novice audaxer on LEL 2017"
https://yorkbadger.wordpress.com/about/london-edinburgh-london-2017-experience-of-a-novice-audaxer/ (https://yorkbadger.wordpress.com/about/london-edinburgh-london-2017-experience-of-a-novice-audaxer/)
Post by: Peter on 20 August, 2017, 07:48:03 pm
Post by: jochta on 20 August, 2017, 08:57:10 pm
Another LEL blog - its fairly short. Have tried to include some links at the end to other material (blogs and videos) on the 2017 LEL I've liked.
"Experiences of a novice audaxer on LEL 2017"
https://yorkbadger.wordpress.com/about/london-edinburgh-london-2017-experience-of-a-novice-audaxer/ (https://yorkbadger.wordpress.com/about/london-edinburgh-london-2017-experience-of-a-novice-audaxer/)
Very nicely written! Thanks for the link :)
Post by: mr ben on 20 August, 2017, 08:58:01 pm
Please keep posting links here so it can remain a fantastic resource in the years to come. I've seen some great accounts via FB but they are buried so quickly by algorithms...
Post by: Deano on 20 August, 2017, 11:43:02 pm
Another LEL blog - its fairly short. Have tried to include some links at the end to other material (blogs and videos) on the 2017 LEL I've liked.
"Experiences of a novice audaxer on LEL 2017"
https://yorkbadger.wordpress.com/about/london-edinburgh-london-2017-experience-of-a-novice-audaxer/ (https://yorkbadger.wordpress.com/about/london-edinburgh-london-2017-experience-of-a-novice-audaxer/)
Ah, I rode with you in the Borders! We had a brief conversation about avoiding the Howardians, and we spoke somewhere between Innerleithen and Eskdalemuir before I scarpered (I was a bit surprised you didn't catch me on the descent, as I was on fixed).
Post by: York_Badger on 21 August, 2017, 04:45:35 pm
So 10km after Eskdalemuir my spoke went "ping" and I crept along via the relatively well paved A7 with a slightly elliptical wheel. Luckily someone could re-true wheel at Brampton. Then I sped up again (honest!).Another LEL blog - its fairly short. Have tried to include some links at the end to other material (blogs and videos) on the 2017 LEL I've liked.
"Experiences of a novice audaxer on LEL 2017"
https://yorkbadger.wordpress.com/about/london-edinburgh-london-2017-experience-of-a-novice-audaxer/ (https://yorkbadger.wordpress.com/about/london-edinburgh-london-2017-experience-of-a-novice-audaxer/)
Ah, I rode with you in the Borders! We had a brief conversation about avoiding the Howardians, and we spoke somewhere between Innerleithen and Eskdalemuir before I scarpered (I was a bit surprised you didn't catch me on the descent, as I was on fixed).
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Post by: jayteezim on 22 August, 2017, 06:16:47 am
I am doing my blog in installments to make both writing and reading an easier task.LEL write up continues- Start, Loughton to Spalding....
The first two installments have been posted:
Thank you: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/london-edinburgh-london/
Registration day: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/lel-registraion-day/
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/19/lel-leg-1-loughton-to-spalding/
London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 2: Spalding to Barnard Castle...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/lel-leg-2-spalding-to-barnard-castle/
Post by: mmmmartin on 23 August, 2017, 12:17:30 pm
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/fear-and-louthing-lel-2017/
Post by: Ajax Bay on 23 August, 2017, 03:56:22 pm
https://onlygirlintheclub.com/2017/08/16/london-edinburgh-london-part-1-it-doesnt-begin-on-the-start-line/
Post by: Graeme on 23 August, 2017, 07:50:37 pm
I think this account from a full value lady who'd ridden 220km max before, started at 13:30 and might finish or be hors delai one of the best I've come across.
https://onlygirlintheclub.com/2017/08/16/london-edinburgh-london-part-1-it-doesnt-begin-on-the-start-line/
That was some mighty effort. How some people find the courage and strength to continue is beyond me, I would probably have given in.
I liked the description of Peter's ministrations in Eskdalemuir :
Quote
I remember being told to sit down and a man made us take off our shoes, he placed them in a carrier bag and he put shoe covers over our socks, it was a well-drilled scenario as if he’d already done it 1000 times.
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 23 August, 2017, 08:10:35 pm
I think this account from a full value lady who'd ridden 220km max before, started at 13:30 and might finish or be hors delai one of the best I've come across.
https://onlygirlintheclub.com/2017/08/16/london-edinburgh-london-part-1-it-doesnt-begin-on-the-start-line/
Bloody excellent.
Post by: Veloman on 23 August, 2017, 08:52:09 pm
I think this account from a full value lady who'd ridden 220km max before, started at 13:30 and might finish or be hors delai one of the best I've come across.
https://onlygirlintheclub.com/2017/08/16/london-edinburgh-london-part-1-it-doesnt-begin-on-the-start-line/
Inspiring.
Despite the adversity I have really happy memories of LEL and yes I do hope we meet again, it was my first Audax but it won’t be my last.
I certainly hope it will not be your last either. Join AUK and enjoy the rides!
Post by: Von Broad on 23 August, 2017, 09:27:51 pm
I think this account from a full value lady who'd ridden 220km max before, started at 13:30 and might finish or be hors delai one of the best I've come across.
https://onlygirlintheclub.com/2017/08/16/london-edinburgh-london-part-1-it-doesnt-begin-on-the-start-line/
Bloody excellent.
Well done to both of them - sounds like the mutual support was very significant in getting round.
Another terrific write up.
Post by: mmmmartin on 23 August, 2017, 09:43:39 pm
Pretty sure that was me. And yes, I had done it 1,000 times. After the first few it was obviously quicker for me to do it rather than wait for the riders to understand what they had to do.
I liked the description of Peter's ministrations in Eskdalemuir :QuoteI remember being told to sit down and a man made us take off our shoes, he placed them in a carrier bag and he put shoe covers over our socks, it was a well-drilled scenario as if he’d already done it 1000 times.
Post by: Graeme on 23 August, 2017, 09:51:19 pm
Pretty sure that was me. And yes, I had done it 1,000 times. After the first few it was obviously quicker for me to do it rather than wait for the riders to understand what they had to do.
I liked the description of Peter's ministrations in Eskdalemuir :QuoteI remember being told to sit down and a man made us take off our shoes, he placed them in a carrier bag and he put shoe covers over our socks, it was a well-drilled scenario as if he’d already done it 1000 times.
:)
That was service I received from Peter so assumed he'd been doing it throughout - but of course he couldn't have done, given he was covering the over-flow dorm. Sorry mmmmartin!
Post by: alotronic on 24 August, 2017, 10:44:54 am
I think this account from a full value lady who'd ridden 220km max before, started at 13:30 and might finish or be hors delai one of the best I've come across.
https://onlygirlintheclub.com/2017/08/16/london-edinburgh-london-part-1-it-doesnt-begin-on-the-start-line/
Bloody excellent.
Learning about Audax as you go... wow. A great account.
Post by: Peter on 24 August, 2017, 11:34:12 am
Post by: madcow on 24 August, 2017, 12:27:20 pm
The Innerleithen picture is priceless.
Fantastic effort and write up.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 24 August, 2017, 12:38:32 pm
"Someone did suggest I should try riding without my helmet, the reduction in weight would make a difference but this seemed like a step too far. I was finding my limits and pushing myself but I wasn’t prepared to go this far with my own safety."
and
"The hills were proving to be a greater challenge for my neck than my legs, being able to keep my head up and see was now my biggest problem. I just trusted myself enough to keep turning the pedals, hoping a car wouldn’t come in the opposite direction as I had veered to the right side of this narrow road."
Post by: Peter on 24 August, 2017, 12:44:09 pm
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 24 August, 2017, 01:13:45 pm
https://vimeo.com/230916387
Post by: Redlight on 24 August, 2017, 08:49:11 pm
I'm impressed by her determination but I find it baffling that somebody simultaneously thinks
"Someone did suggest I should try riding without my helmet, the reduction in weight would make a difference but this seemed like a step too far. I was finding my limits and pushing myself but I wasn’t prepared to go this far with my own safety."
and
"The hills were proving to be a greater challenge for my neck than my legs, being able to keep my head up and see was now my biggest problem. I just trusted myself enough to keep turning the pedals, hoping a car wouldn’t come in the opposite direction as I had veered to the right side of this narrow road."
Put it down to indoctrination. Almost anyone who has taken up cycling in the last 25 years has been told over and over again that wearing a helmet makes you virtually indestructible.
Post by: Vince on 24 August, 2017, 09:25:25 pm
London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 2: Spalding to Barnard Castle...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/lel-leg-2-spalding-to-barnard-castle/
Quote
Up at 4:30, quickly got ready. Coffee and breakfast before leaving… Not today. Coffee urns were empty. With the help of a volunteer, we found some instant in the corner.
Sorry.... but I had wondered who had helped themselves to our decafe
Post by: jayteezim on 25 August, 2017, 07:56:51 am
London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 2: Spalding to Barnard Castle...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/lel-leg-2-spalding-to-barnard-castle/QuoteUp at 4:30, quickly got ready. Coffee and breakfast before leaving… Not today. Coffee urns were empty. With the help of a volunteer, we found some instant in the corner.
Sorry.... but I had wondered who had helped themselves to our decafe
was it your decaff, sorry about that.... tasted good at that time of the morning. The part I left out in the blog was Jim was resting/sleeping on a blanket on the canteen floor and when the helpful volunteer enquired about coffee, Jim said look for some instant in the corner. so to say we 'helped ourselves' is not quite correct... however thank you
Post by: Vince on 25 August, 2017, 09:28:12 am
Post by: StantheMan on 25 August, 2017, 11:56:54 am
My blog. As short as my riding ;D Some writings in (sort of) English, but mainly in Finnish.
PBP 1/1. LEL 0/2.
Post by: Peter on 25 August, 2017, 12:10:33 pm
Peter
Post by: mr ben on 26 August, 2017, 11:01:47 pm
Warts and all; probably more warts. Most amazing thing I've ever (not) done.
Post by: Ajax Bay on 27 August, 2017, 02:12:54 am
http://otleycycleclub.co.uk/2017/08/22/wheres-martin-former-racing-secretary-martin-tallontire/
Post by: Vince on 27 August, 2017, 06:32:45 am
Finally sorted my scribbles into a vaguely coherent account of my ride: http://www.sloeburn.co.uk/?p=1067.Thank you for sharing that.
Warts and all; probably more warts. Most amazing thing I've ever (not) done.
Post by: maxap on 27 August, 2017, 07:18:37 am
Post by: tally51 on 27 August, 2017, 08:05:49 am
Post by: αdαmsκι on 27 August, 2017, 11:40:56 am
Thanks for sharing my link Ajax Bay, had been meaning to post it in here but hadn't quite got round to it yet :)
My ride was similar to yours: Set off at 10:45 Day 1 & ride to Hull, Day 2 to the services at Johnstonebridge, Day 3 to Alston, Day 4 to Louth and Day 5 to the finish (tho not setting off at 01:30). Despite that I never saw you during the ride. Audaxes can be weird in that respect.
Post by: tally51 on 27 August, 2017, 06:19:42 pm
Post by: paul851 on 27 August, 2017, 06:42:49 pm
Paul
Post by: redfalo on 27 August, 2017, 11:42:43 pm
https://cycling-intelligence.com/2017/08/27/lel-and-pbp-how-does-it-compare/
Post by: coops456 on 28 August, 2017, 06:31:21 pm
Post by: Graeme on 28 August, 2017, 06:35:16 pm
"A Spanish man crashed on the return journey into Newbald and we cared for him for 5 hours in church until his son arrived from London. A very fit 73 years of age who fell asleep as he turned the corner into Newbald. The ambulance crew patch him up and he slept like a log in church. His colleagues returned by train from Brough.
When I arrived at church two riders from Germany were asleep on chairs I had left outside, they called it a long power nap. It reminder me of falling asleep in a church in France and waking up in the middle of a Mass when I was cycling in Brittany."
Post by: alfapete on 28 August, 2017, 06:46:16 pm
Finally sorted my scribbles into a vaguely coherent account of my ride: http://www.sloeburn.co.uk/?p=1067.
Warts and all; probably more warts. Most amazing thing I've ever (not) done.
It's a great read, Ben. Felt every single one of your ups and downs.
So pleased you're proud of what you achieved rather than frustrated by how close you came.
Post by: mr ben on 28 August, 2017, 08:45:24 pm
Hi all
My report is now up: Fear and Louthing (boom boom!)
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/fear-and-louthing-lel-2017/
A
I've just been revisiting (perhaps stroking may more appropriate) the lastest Arrivee, and as such have been able to triangulate you with the author of 'Ghost Beard'. You are indeed a fine wordsmith.
Post by: jayteezim on 29 August, 2017, 07:35:03 am
I am doing my blog in installments to make both writing and reading an easier task.LEL write up continues- Start, Loughton to Spalding....
The first two installments have been posted:
Thank you: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/london-edinburgh-london/
Registration day: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/lel-registraion-day/
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/19/lel-leg-1-loughton-to-spalding/
London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 2: Spalding to Barnard Castle...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/lel-leg-2-spalding-to-barnard-castle/
After a week off from cycling London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 3 – Barnard Castle to Innerleithen...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/lel-leg-3-barnard-castle-to-innerleithen/
Post by: alotronic on 29 August, 2017, 04:02:19 pm
Hi all
My report is now up: Fear and Louthing (boom boom!)
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/fear-and-louthing-lel-2017/
A
I've just been revisiting (perhaps stroking may more appropriate) the lastest Arrivee, and as such have been able to triangulate you with the author of 'Ghost Beard'. You are indeed a fine wordsmith.
Oh, someone noticed Ghost Beard, hooray! Thanks Mr Ben. You might also like this blog series http://bikeby.bike - a kind of autobiography told one bike at a time, which I am still working on...
Post by: Jack on 29 August, 2017, 04:57:40 pm
the author of 'Ghost Beard'... a fine wordsmith.
Agreed.
'The Red King' (2014) was good as well (just found it online, but I believe I must have read it in Arrivee at some point):
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2014/10/02/the-red-king/
I could really relate to both. Good stuff!
Post by: mr ben on 29 August, 2017, 11:12:22 pm
Oh, someone noticed Ghost Beard, hooray! Thanks Mr Ben. You might also like this blog series http://bikeby.bike - a kind of autobiography told one bike at a time, which I am still working on...
Oooh, looks very interesting, thanks for sharing. I've gone straight to the 'suffering' page!
Post by: Ajax Bay on 31 August, 2017, 12:24:51 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFPuc-L8Um0&t=1321
A propos other remarks, note (at 15:42) the banners in Alston (at about 1630 Monday, I estimate) though the (optional) control was not yet officially 'open' - I suspect the majority of riders were focusing on the cobbles downhill rather than looking out for control/LEL signage/banners.
I think this rider went from a 100 hour start and was just behind me at Moffat (about midnight from the image of the saturated roads).
Also I see (at 17:53) that this rider (and those with him) erred from the cycle path into Edinburgh (as I did: 'this must be the way- look at the trye tracks - err, no'). I wonder how many cycled down there thinking 'this is (increasingly) bold' in audax parlance until threshold (the prospect of a stony downhill) was reached and a U-turn executed. Ironically(?) the cycle track was only 100m north the other side of the field, accessible by path (not that we could know).
Post by: Redlight on 31 August, 2017, 03:29:50 pm
robmcivor.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/losing-my-religion-london-edinburgh-london-2017/ (http://robmcivor.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/losing-my-religion-london-edinburgh-london-2017/)
Deano - I hope you don't mind but I've used the photo that you posted of my colourful day one outfit. If you object, let me know and I'll delete it.
Post by: psyclist on 31 August, 2017, 04:41:26 pm
It's taken me a while, but here's my (long) write-up
robmcivor.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/losing-my-religion-london-edinburgh-london-2017/ (http://robmcivor.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/losing-my-religion-london-edinburgh-london-2017/)
Deano - I hope you don't mind but I've used the photo that you posted of my colourful day one outfit. If you object, let me know and I'll delete it.
Chapeau Rob. I saw you on occasions during the ride, rather fleetingly, but never imagined everything that you went through to arrive back in Loughton. Well done, and thank you for writing up your experiences. It was a good read.
Post by: Deano on 31 August, 2017, 04:46:45 pm
It's taken me a while, but here's my (long) write-up
robmcivor.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/losing-my-religion-london-edinburgh-london-2017/ (http://robmcivor.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/losing-my-religion-london-edinburgh-london-2017/)
Deano - I hope you don't mind but I've used the photo that you posted of my colourful day one outfit. If you object, let me know and I'll delete it.
No, you're welcome to it.
And cheer up - it's not the end of the world as we know it....
Post by: CrinklyLion on 31 August, 2017, 04:51:02 pm
Post by: Redlight on 31 August, 2017, 04:59:30 pm
I stamped your card northbound at BC!
Oh, I wish I'd known. I would have said hello. I probably met lots of YACF people along the way without knowing. One I did get to say hello to was Mcshroom, who was a volunteer at Louth. And Jochta was one of the little group that set off from the service station at Alston at the same time as me.
Post by: yorkie on 31 August, 2017, 07:18:12 pm
...and me! :-DI stamped your card northbound at BC!
Oh, I wish I'd known. I would have said hello. I probably met lots of YACF people along the way without knowing. One I did get to say hello to was Mcshroom, who was a volunteer at Louth. And Jochta was one of the little group that set off from the service station at Alston at the same time as me.
I seem to remember assisting you with bike locating skills at Pocklington northbound! ;)
Sent from my Mobile Phone using Tapatalk
Post by: mr ben on 31 August, 2017, 08:48:56 pm
It's taken me a while, but here's my (long) write-up
robmcivor.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/losing-my-religion-london-edinburgh-london-2017/ (http://robmcivor.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/losing-my-religion-london-edinburgh-london-2017/)
That was a great account, thank you for sharing. Many things resonated but this perhaps the most:
Quote
It’s as though we are all connected by an invisible thread.
Post by: mr ben on 31 August, 2017, 08:57:05 pm
It's a great read, Ben. Felt every single one of your ups and downs.
So pleased you're proud of what you achieved rather than frustrated by how close you came.
Thanks. Wouldn't have got to that point without the support of you and family.
Post by: Redlight on 31 August, 2017, 10:00:00 pm
I seem to remember assisting you with bike locating skills at Pocklington northbound! ;)
Ah yes, if I recall we went for quite a stroll! Thank you :D
Post by: yorkie on 01 September, 2017, 12:22:05 am
You're welcome!
I seem to remember assisting you with bike locating skills at Pocklington northbound! ;)
Ah yes, if I recall we went for quite a stroll! Thank you :D
Nothing wrong with once round the bike park as an after dinner stroll. (other than it being breakfast time, mind!)
Sent from my Mobile Phone using Tapatalk
Post by: rachel t on 01 September, 2017, 09:57:26 am
You're welcome!
I seem to remember assisting you with bike locating skills at Pocklington northbound! ;)
Ah yes, if I recall we went for quite a stroll! Thank you :D
Think there were about 4 volunteers playing hunt the bike
Nothing wrong with once round the bike park as an after dinner stroll. (other than it being breakfast time, mind!)
Sent from my Mobile Phone using Tapatalk
Post by: alotronic on 01 September, 2017, 09:58:57 am
It's taken me a while, but here's my (long) write-up
robmcivor.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/losing-my-religion-london-edinburgh-london-2017/ (http://robmcivor.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/losing-my-religion-london-edinburgh-london-2017/)
Great write up Rob, great to know what happened to you... and ELEVEN MINUTES!!!
As for the lack of enjoyment... I haven't felt the slightest need to ride a bike since LEL and I have to say that the prep was a slog. For me the novelty of doing it for the first time was great, but I can see it would gall somewhat. I always thought that I would make next year more unusual and that maybe I would do more MTBing, or timetrialling, or anything else - while still getting an Essex SR of course! Even, gasp, some Eurotouring. Possibly even some *walking*. Variety and all that. For now I am just waiting to see what I feel like doing next, most likely not a whole lot of winter Audaxing.
Post by: Ajax Bay on 01 September, 2017, 07:31:59 pm
"London Edinburgh London
I first learned of London Edinburgh London, LEL, back in 2015 when registering for Paris-Brest-Paris. The event’s distance struck me as immense on that warm August Parisian day and I could not foresee myself ever being brave enough to tackle this “giant”. Little did I know what the future would bring!
Last Sunday 30/07 the LEL atmosphere was fairly tense as 1500 riders from all over gathered for the start of this epic challenge. No less trepidatious than the other participants I also considered myself lucky enough to be there albeit knowing that 5 days of sometimes fun and sometimes suffering laid ahead
Here are some of many experiences in riding 1400 km plus up and down England/Scotland’s land.
After saying farewell to my favourite supporter Lori I headed out of the school and immediately north. Unfortunately 3 km into the ride when just settling down I noticed an absence of power(not that I ever produce much!!) and my chain was broken. Pulling in I was left for dead by my companions and about start the messy work of reconnecting the chain when a friendly German appeared as if by magic and indicated that I had arrived at the back door of Davenant School,our starting point!
Twas a miracle or maybe even some karma. I followed his lead and headed thru a back gate and 300m on where later groups of riders were now assembling for their start. The mechanic on duty fitted me a new chain quickly and 35 stg lighter and 45 mins later than planned I was on my way again.
Heading out thru N London suburbs traffic was light altho’ drives did seem more aggressive than I am used to in the emerald isle. In fact I learned at the first check-point in St Ives that Helen, one of our Audax Ireland riders, had been forced to bail into a nettle patch by an oncoming ruthless driver.
The 5 day ride was punctuated by the many interesting people I met on my trip and the first of these was Dan from Shropshire who was riding a trike and when I asked him why he said it was fun and his next purchase for his stable was a trike tandem! He was a well travelled rider and among his adventures was a 89 day tandem trek across Canada with his wife(must be love I commented), a 10 day trek across Iceland, and a 1200 km race in Adelaide, Australia in preparation for LEL.
St Ives school was our first control and here I could see how well the LEL is organized. Card stamping was always efficient and followed by nutrition replenishment at the well stocked cafeteria. So far as I could see all work is by volunteers and these were mainly, friendly, efficient and helpful. Food was always tasty and presented well and the muffins were top class at many venues(kudos to LEL!). The only thing I missed was a good flat white!!
Time does seem to slip by very quickly on LEL, although sometimes not when suffering against a headwind or up a long steep climb, and I had to be really focussed to avoid “wasting” it a welcoming control. Minute, even hours lost at a control are really hard to claw back on the road, especially when tired as the days roll by!
Stage 2 of LEL takes in the flat lands of England’s west country and includes some of the Fen lands which is exposed to wind but today luckily no rain. For most of the ride the wind was WSW and mostly blew strongly. (On the return journey thru the Fens, Thursday, it was like cycling against a brick wall! )
Heading up to Spalding I got in with some strong groups including a smartly turned out English shoe shop keeper from Geneva who was berating the fact that he had not brought a lighter bike than his beautiful hand built steel m/c. Unfortunately I saw the same lad head off in a car at one of the Scottish checkpoints, his race done, his spirit unbroken!
The countryside started to change as we left the Essex flatlands and rolling climbs replaced long straight roads. A feature for several hundred kms in this area was the high hedge rows protecting the road from errant cross winds but also preventing a view of any surrounding countryside. It sometimes felt as if you were cycling in a long hedge enclosed tunnel. This made for several hours of boring riding which was accentuated in darkness.
I was making good progress north and taking in necessary nutrition at the food stops in Spalding and Louth and hence decided to plow on to Pocklington where I would snatch a few valuable hours shut eye.
Heading towards Hull and the massive Humber estuary the crowds we well thinned out and as I approached the massive Humber estuary my navigation accomplices, Garmin and Wahoo Elemnt, were being tested to ensure I traversed this section without a wayward step. The view from the bridge onto the now darkened waterway was amazing and I felt that I had reached a watershed in my epic.
Luckily I hooked up with a knowledgeable rider on the north side of the estuary and I followed her to escape the estuary environs and keep heading north.
Travelling on an Audax ride requires cycling skills, fitness and also navigational expertise. More mature Audax cyclist stick to the detailed route sheets provided. As well as requiring an ability to interpret the directions you also need to make sure the route map is kept dry during your adventure. More recent development in Garmin, Wahoo, Lezyne, etc has reduced a need to rely on route maps but as I know to my cost at PBP Garmin, etc do have weaknesses and can let you down! So I was relying on two electronic systems, route sheets and sometimes asking for directions!
I reached Pocklington well after midnight on Monday morning as the 97 km from Louth were hilly, I was tired and darkness had well settled in(“your land speed seems to reduce dramatically when it gets dark”, quote from Moroney’s theory of cycling). Still I was happy as with 340km in the bag it had been a good day and a welcome few hours sleep seemed attainable.
Pocklington although well served by well meaning volunteers was badly laid out. The control centre was in the middle of the cafeteria, showers were in a not adjacent building and sleeping facilities were distant again from these latter spaces. It was a good place for me to loose time faffing and I duly did so.
I first ate(OK), I then went for a 3 hour sleep and only managed max 1.5 hours(the hall was huge catering for about 180 people and many of those insisted on repacking their pannier bags right next to their sleeping mattress), I then had a shower(should have done this first!) and I then ate again. I wasn’t really efficient with my stop over.
Thirsk was next my target destination and leaving Pocklington at about 0700 I was hopeful of being well into Scotland before I rested. Rolling, leg sapping hills were now well evident and my initial day’s energy and enthusiasm was slightly flagging. I conversed with several interesting people, among them three different Americans whose stories ranged from horrific cycling accidents, working for Netflix cycling challenges in NY city!
The day was going fairly well until we arrived at the historic Castle Howard with its magnificent buildings and grounds. I knew that the climbing legs were to be challenged when the tourist sign proclaimed the arrival of the “hilly Castle Howard area”. Not to disappoint me the hills came thick and heavy in this area. Another American and I diverted into the Castle for a non-existant photo op. The gatekeeper on seeing my return down a one way avenue indicated violently that I should retrace my steps back down a vicious hill before continuing my travels. I was having none of this. This elevation had been hard earned so I continued past his gesticulation leaving him to challenge my American “partner”.
Thirsk is notable for its race course but I sped past briefly noting its fine central layout on my way to Barnard Castle and the entrance to some serious climbing. Warming up the legs on more rolling hills I passed thru the pretty village of Barton known for its forded river crossing. The adjacent footbridge seemed more cycle suitable and I contented myself with a photo shot of four wheeled steel vehicles charging through the water a rate of knots.
The pretty single lane wooden bridge at Whorlton set amongst the tree clad river made a beautiful scene and I stopped for some photos here before finding that the gradient up from the river presented a good challenge to my lowest 36x32 gear!
Castle Barnard school was in sight and as I climbed into the scenic grounds I could understand why such a beautiful place had been chosen to locate a LEL control. The dining hall where we ate had wood panelled walls, plaques to many former pupils and showed off a historical building which demanded more time to investigate. The food here was again excellent and altho’ I would like to linger O headed off to tackle the infamous Yad Moss and it’s challenging approaches.
Yad Moss peaks at 600m(!!) and its steady climb is one which tests out even the most seasoned legs. The wind from the west was strong as as I headed for the peak. In the darkness I could see a long string of riders ahead and behind. I chatted with a young English woman who was carrying what seemed an awfully big pack. On enquiry she admitted it was mighty uncomfortable but that her small frame size mitigated against any suitable bike bag.
The weather had also become colder and I stopped near the top to put on my best Gabba and full winter gloves. On reaching the peak I noted that the highest road climb in Ireland doesn’t come close and felt good to have bested this Yorkshire giant.
The road from the summit goes down sharply in several areas and fortunately no riders had been bested by the twisting road. Caution was necessary as we headed thru the village of Alson where the descent attained 15% and full on braking was often necessary.
Brampton was my next destination. Rolling hills with some steeper test were ahead before I could consider a few hours rest. Cycling in the dark is a challenge in itself notably on new roads. Riding solo as I did for much of this leg I needed to prod myself to maintain a reasonable speed.
Brampton was a hive of activity when I reached the check-point at the local school. Sleeping accommodation was at a premium and after a few words of encouragement from fellow Irish Audaxer Dan(?) I headed for the “lounge” where a volunteer said I was welcome to bed down. The lounge was a long corridor with dimmed lights, no mattresses and no blankets. Fortunately I had sent some spare cycle clothing to Brampton with the provided LEL “bag drop” and draping some spare leggings around me I quickly drifted off for the best 2 hours kip of the trip.
Invigorated with my brief rest I was on the road early on Tuesday eager to crack the Scottish section of the LEL. The weather was certainly cooler as we approached the border and I reached into my travel pack for more protection against the falling temperature. A brief halt at the border for a photo op, who wouldn’t??, hardly disturbed my steady rhythm. Gretna Green was further reason for a photo as I contemplated the many couples who had started life together at the famous blacksmith’s shop. The first really heavy rain of the trip did its best to dampen the spirits as it descended in sheets. Typical Scottish weather I heard many declare in anger!
Nonetheless my spirits were high. I could feel the halfway point of my odyssey was in reach. Two women passed me at a clip and buoyed with over confidence I latched onto their train and began a very fast bit and bit session for several miles as we headed for Moffat. Riders who had sailed past earlier in the morning were now left for dead as we flew along and it felt good to be on the road.
The checkpoint at Moffat was in a modern school and the food available was of the usual high standard. After refuelling heartily I headed north towards Scotland’s capital in good spirits unaware that there was some climbing still to be done before that destination was reached.
The Devil's Beef Tub rises up to 407m and is no mean test on any regular cycle. However, with 640 km of hard work done this climb taxed me fully as I now travelled a section of outstanding natural beauty which lead all the way to Edinburgh. We were on the A701 which is aptly labelled a scenic highway and has great vistas of Scotland’s Munros and “not” Munros on either side.
With each high speed descent I could feel my lack of sleep beginning to affect my control and rather than risk running out of road I decided to pull over for a quick 15 min nap to resharpen my reflexes. The ground on an entrance to a field was hard but comfortable and made for a good resting place before I resumed my ride refreshed.
The control at Edinburgh was gained via a cycle path and here the LEL organisers had posted useful red direction arrows to facilitate navigation to Gracemount school…..the halfway point!
Energy levels at Gracemount were high with the usual high level services provided to riders. My friend Nigel, recently domiciled in Glasgow, had driven to meet me bringing with him some fuel loaded home bread and peanut butter and after giving me a quick neck massage he and I set out south to London.
The full force of the southerly wind could now be felt as we headed via narrow, rolling lanes towards the Innerleithen check point. Even though Nigel was leading me on at what he felt was a reasonable pace I was having difficulty staying on his wheel. My energy levels were low and Nigel was having difficulty sheltering me from the full force of the sometimes gale force wind.
Between Edinburgh and Eskdalemuir there are four 400m peaks and with energy levels fairly sapped this was to be a really hard part of the LEL. After leading me up the first 400m peak against a fierce southerly wind Nigel turned back to Edinburgh and left me to forage forward alone. I was very grateful for his company and his hard work but now it was up to me.
Innerleithen was a small scale control point and I wasted little time checking in and refuelling. Darkness began to descend as I now headed for Eskdalemuir and a more isolated part of the LEL adventure. The challenge of the rolling road was taking its toll but I soldiered on resolved to make Brampton my next resting place. When I passed the Buddhist outpost of Kagyu
Samye Ling with its impressive statues silhouetted eerily in the dark I knew I was approaching the control point having been advised of Samye Ling by my recent Scottish friend John W.
There was certainly a friendly atmosphere at Eskdalemuir as all the locals had come out to man this remote outpost and encourage riders. One of the volunteers was up from London to help demonstrating the unique attraction of LEL. Refreshments were of the usual high standard and although the sleeping arrangements were attractive I was determined to reach Brampton and resolutely headed forward.
Darkness now fully engulfed me and with it my usual difficulty of maintaining night speed returned. The roll of the road was not as severe as before but each slight hill still presented quite a challenge. I was tired and eager to catch a few winks but still had to get thru Langholm and Longtown. The road here made some challenging diversions and in my tired state I made a few errors before eventually getting back on the direct road towards Brampton.
About 12 km from Brampton I was overcome by fatigue and collapsed in a heap onto the luckily soft grass verge. Rescue was, however, close by and a friendly group from London, Jim, Brad and Andy pulled me out of the ditch and insisted on providing a four star escort to my resting spot at Brampton.
The “lounge” now beckoned with its half star accommodation...a friendly floor, a darkened corridor. However, my mental state was at a fairly low point. I was overwrought from my days adventure, 310 km of hard cycling completed since I left Brampton was not a sap to a tired body, and my back-up battery was almost dead thus potentially affecting my GPS systems’ ability to perform. Things conspired against me and although dead tired I was unable to sleep, tossing and turning on the hard floor thinking of the 560 odd km still to go and all the reasons that I would not regain the start at Loughton.
Eventually 2 hours after laying low I grabbed a towel from a helpful volunteer and headed for a quick shower followed by breakfast in the crowded cafeteria. Brampton probably served the best porridge on the trip and thus fortified I headed out towards Alston and the control at Barnard Castle.
With the 600 m summit of Yad Moss to be crossed I knew what lay ahead. Leaving Brampton at 0500 I was feeling fairly low but a voice in my head kept muttering to me that I could still do it. So I ventured forth over some rolling, gradually rising terrain and my first objective the pretty village of Alston.
Alston lies deep in the Pennines and in normal circumstances would be a lovely spot to visit. The main cobbled street has a gradient which often touches 18%(!!!) and with tired legs and violent cross winds it presented a severe challenge. Some of the LEL contestants had taken advantage of the unofficial control to rest at Alston but none had faltered in their upward journey.
Further on and about 1 km from the summit a kind LEL supporter was dispensing coffee and flapjacks(I got the last one!) and the refreshment and chance to rest briefly and chat were well appreciated. A long downhill was some reward for the hard work completed and this was enjoyed before the road rose and fell again for the last few miles into scenic Barnard Castle.
I resolved to refuel quickly at Barnard Castle but before eating I made some effort to stretch as my back and neck were both feeling sore. I was in the middle of enjoying a delicious jam sponge, with custard, when a volunteer approached and asked me if I was in pain. Briefly I wondered if this were a trick qustion set up by the organizers! I was tempted to give an honest answer but held my tongue and simply replied how she had discerned my discomfort! She asked if I wanted to have a Reiki treatment to ease my back pain and with nothing to lose I agreed. As far as I could ascertain the Reiki consists of the practitioner’s dispensing positive energy into the client using her thought process and without physical contact.
So when my “friend” asked me to breathe in the colour light purple and breathe out dark purple I did my best to comply. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. We then chatted for a few minutes about the value of Reiki and the hope that my treatment would help ease my pain.
I’m not sure whether or not the Reiki worked but the advice I got about thinking positive and believing in myself and my ability was of great help. My spirits were low and strengthened by a new resolve I left Barnard Castle with a renewed vigour.
Heading for Thirsk I crossed the river Tees by the quaint single lane wooden bridge at Whorlton. Two friendly Englishmen, Dave and Bob, invited me to attach to their train and as the rain had started I was happy to take any assistance possible from their draft. The rolling roads were fairly uninteresting with the ubiquitous high hedgreows now more prominent and traffic density beginning to increase. I reached Thirsk about 4 p.m. on Wednesday and now felt pressure to keep going if I were to make the 117 hour finish deadline.
By 5 p.m. I was on the road again demonstrating that even when faffing is minimised much time is lost at a chek point. Earlier in my travels I had discussed with Andy, one of the organizers, the way the seasoned Audaxers ensure time wasting is minimised by being fully focussed and awake when stopping.
The road to Pocklington passes through the Howardian hills home of the ancient Castle Howard. It’s obviously a lovely spot for a tourist visit but the area is punctuasted by some very long steep uphills, several up to 11% gradient. Our route seeemed to travel right around the vast estate and with the savage climbs taking their toll I could easily have done without this tourist side trip. I soldiered on and made up my mind to take a rest at Pocklington where I had stopped on the outward trip.
Despite only taking two hours sleep, it was after 1 a.m. on Thursday by the time I left Pocklington. The outward distance to this checkpoint was 340 km and I felt that even in my present tired, worn state I could complete this distance by the appointed time.
However, I had forgotten that the way home differed from the way out and there was an extra check point at Great Easton and 20 additional kilometres to be factored in!
Once again my guidance systems were playing up and I was having difficulty finding my exit from Pocklington. Luckily I hooked up with a young Londoner, originally from Lithuania, who guided me onto the correct road and also discoursed at length about his life philosophy and why he was on the LEL road. Arnold proved an interesting companion and I learned much of his life in London and experiences as an emigrant in the vast metropolis. He told me also of his friend who was simulataneously competeing in the unsupported 4000 km Trans Continental bike race from Belgium to Greece, making our challenge seem puny.
We crossed the vast Humber Estuary via the impressive suspension bridge and it would be fair to say that this was one of the engineering highlights of the trip. Shortly thereafter Arnold decided to push on, perhaps wearying of my endless stories!! However, he had looked after me well and we parted amicably as his youth was easily trumping my experience.
We were now entering into the flatlands of England and what should have been an easier part of the journey. However, the wind from the south seemed to blow ever harder on this Thursday morning as we left Spalding for St Ives via the Fens. The road through the Fens was open and exposed and very busy with impatient traffic of all types. The driving wind made it hard for me to keep above 14 kph and although many good “trains” passed I was unable to hold their wheels.
I was glad to reach Spalding and took advantage of some German cyclists to finish this part of the journey.
I had phoned ever patient Lori to meet somewhere on the road from Louth to Spalding but with my increased tiredness got the meeting place wrong. Luckily she was persistent and we met up in Crowland, outside Spalding. I took a 15 minute nap in the back of our car, refueled with a fresh sandwich, kissed my wife and headed on towards St Ives.
Still deluded by the distance to go I jumped on a fast moving peloton and enjoyed some good natured chat with a mixed group of Welsh and English cyclists as we worked together to lighten the load. It was interesting to note that even with this strong group of 12 cyclists we were only making 20 kph in the heavy wind!! We reached St Ives feeling fairly happy. Most of those in the group had “time in hand” but I was running out of thime having now realised there was further to go than I had anticipated.
I checked in quickly, filled my water bottles, searched for a coke(unable to find one!) and headed through sprawling St Ives and onto Great Easton. I had only 120 km to do and in normal circumstances I would have found this not too much of a challenge. Unfortunately I was tired, I hadn’t slept for almost 24 hours, my Shermer’s neck problem was resurrecting itself and I was starting to have hallucinations.
Once again I struggled to exit the town. I hooked up with a “Russian” and we took what was designated a guided bus lane towards Cambridge. I knew little of this transportation system but quickly learned that guided bus lanes and bicycles do not mix well. My journey downhill was rudely abbreviated as I descended into a large shrub overgrown pit about two foot deep which was part of the rail system and acted like a wooden sleeper. I landed hard, hit my head(helmet saved me), scraped my arm and knee but luckily was otherwise unhurt.
My Russian accomplice had avoided the pit by keeping to the adjacent bike lane, where I should have been, and after shouting over at me to check my health he was never seen again. On rescuing my bike it seemed OK and somewhat chastened by my experience I headed along the bike path which ran exactly parallel to the bus way.
The surface on the bike path was really smooth and I now made good time, my senses having been sharpened by my near death experience. I was passed by a group of Englishmen and soon noticed that Jim and Brad, my two saviours from outside Brampton, were among them. They welcomed me into theirr peloton and we made good time as we passed through the historic university city of Cambridge. Brad knew the city and we sped along its intricate pedestria and one way systems losing little time.
Things were now going well until Brad and Jim had to stop for a break as their hallucinations were getting severe. I was now left with two others who were not so friendly and soon left me in their wake.
Night time had well settled and we were in a remote part of the country which had some navigational challenges. The turns and twists in the road came frequently and in my tiredness I lost valuable time. My frustrtation increased as my speed decreased and we seemed to plunge into more unwelcoming territory. The rolling hills were made more difficult by the abundance of “loose chippings” of even finer variety than we use on roads in Ireland. Eventually well after 3 a.m. on Friday morning we reached the check point at Great Easton.
As usual this check point was well serviced and replete with friendly volunteers. One young volunteer was most positive about my chances of making Loughton by 6 a.m. I knew that the odds were against me as by now Shermers neck had taken firm hold and my hallucinations were fairly severe.
My mates Jim and Brad had now reappeared and vowed to escort me on this final leg. I was keen to go and after Jim had a fag we headed off.
It was not to be. My physical condition meant that I could not keep my head up for any length of time. Jim and company were soon out of sight. I was now on a very busy commuter road and my hallucinations were beginning to worry me. One false move and I would be under the wheels of a fast moving, unforgiving car driver. I saw a friendly road side bench and lay down for a 15 minute nap and revitalisation. I was not cured but I felt I could ride on to the finish fairly safely.
I completed the last section of LEL fairly slowly. Tiredness and physical deterioration contributed to a less than exemplary finish. However, I also felt mentally depressed as I had missed my finish time by three hours. Perhaps I could have made that deficit up with better time management at check points?
I rolled over the finish line at Loughton just after 0900 on Friday, tired, sore, but unbowed. I felt I had acahieved something. Lori was there to greet me and I was glad of her embrace. I checked in with my brevet card and received my finishers medal. The atmosphere was good as riders celebrated having completed 1441 km under some of the event’s most difficult conditions.
I am now recovering!!
LEL is a tough event. It is really well organized with excellent food stops and cheerful volunteers. The entry cost makes it fairly good value with food, sleeping and showers all included.
There are several really challenging climbs. The wind played a big part last week and in open exposed country that is always likely. Some roads are very badly surfaced, very busy and boring(high hedges).
If you want a challenge train for the next addition in 2021. Seems far away but isn’t.
Mark Moroney"
Post by: Graeme on 02 September, 2017, 09:30:26 pm
http://jacknicholsonsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/lel.html
Post by: jayteezim on 03 September, 2017, 04:35:24 pm
I am doing my blog in installments to make both writing and reading an easier task.LEL write up continues- Start, Loughton to Spalding....
The first two installments have been posted:
Thank you: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/london-edinburgh-london/
Registration day: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/lel-registraion-day/
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/19/lel-leg-1-loughton-to-spalding/
London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 2: Spalding to Barnard Castle...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/lel-leg-2-spalding-to-barnard-castle/
After a week off from cycling London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 3 – Barnard Castle to Innerleithen...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/lel-leg-3-barnard-castle-to-innerleithen/
London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 4 – Innerleithen to Thirsk...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/lel-leg-4-innerleithen-to-thirsk/
Post by: Redlight on 03 September, 2017, 08:53:09 pm
This one has just been posted by two American riders...
http://jacknicholsonsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/lel.html
Good stuff. I met them both at the start - they had been staying in Dalston, where there had been rioting the previous evening, and I was explaining to them what had been going on. I met them again up in Scotland when they were sitting outside a shop cheering on riders as they went past. I stopped off to get some flavoured milk, but had to make do with water. :(
Post by: alotronic on 07 September, 2017, 06:37:04 pm
This one is about kit, 'training', bikes and all that. One for the obsessed, and a reminded to self for next time...
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/lel-further-thoughts-training-kit-next-time-etc/ (https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/lel-further-thoughts-training-kit-next-time-etc/)
Post by: jayteezim on 08 September, 2017, 06:58:53 am
I am doing my blog in installments to make both writing and reading an easier task.LEL write up continues- Start, Loughton to Spalding....
The first two installments have been posted:
Thank you: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/london-edinburgh-london/
Registration day: https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/lel-registraion-day/
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/19/lel-leg-1-loughton-to-spalding/
London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 2: Spalding to Barnard Castle...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/lel-leg-2-spalding-to-barnard-castle/
After a week off from cycling London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 3 – Barnard Castle to Innerleithen...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/lel-leg-3-barnard-castle-to-innerleithen/
London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 4 – Innerleithen to Thirsk...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/lel-leg-4-innerleithen-to-thirsk/
London Edinburgh London write up continues with Leg 5 – Thirsk and a dash to the end...
https://marklassman.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/lel-leg-5-thirsk-and-a-dash-to-the-end/
Post by: Ajax Bay on 08 September, 2017, 03:54:50 pm
"If you can face another Blog on LEL2017 here's mine.
"I'm one of those ambitious first timers who went for 100hours despite my longest Audax being only a 200k. Needless to say I made some rookie mistakes as a result, but learnt a lot about how far I can push myself.
"Hope you enjoy it - sorry it is a bit long"
https://hankchiefblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/18/lel2017-how-far-can-you-go/
Post by: York_Badger on 09 September, 2017, 10:45:12 am
https://yorkbadger.wordpress.com/about/london-edinburgh-london-2017-experience-of-a-novice-audaxer/
Happy to add any links I have missed - I think I've captured most of the blogs I have seen on YACF as well as a few others.
Stephen
Post by: canaryboy on 11 September, 2017, 11:55:09 am
I was a volunteer so can't claim to feel all their pain but we had our moments. I really enjoyed the LEL experience but it's nice to read how it was ' on the other side '.
They're all great blogs so well done to everyone who contributed. I particularly liked the ones from the two Indian guys. When English is a second language they're all the more fun to read. Like this extract from Sayi's blog from Day 6 :
" I applied coconut oil to butt abundantly and cleaned private parts for every 200-250 km. So there was never any saddle sore. There was some chaffing due to padding , but main concern was inexplicable irrigation under groin due to my movement over saddle. It would prick like a pin and cause intolerable pain till I find a comfortable position. "
Just great.
Must offer my congratulations to both of them in completing the ride. To finish only 6 hours outside the time limit as Sayi did is something but to finish with only six minutes to spare as Bishen did is incredible.
Can anyone best that ?
Post by: mr ben on 11 September, 2017, 02:37:29 pm
This one is about kit, 'training', bikes and all that. One for the obsessed, and a reminded to self for next time...
https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/lel-further-thoughts-training-kit-next-time-etc/ (https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/lel-further-thoughts-training-kit-next-time-etc/)
That was great. I like your distance- and height-climbed-to-date plots, off to see what I can squeeze from my spreadsheets...
And thanks York_Badger. Walnut Whips over chain tool! ;)
Post by: alotronic on 11 September, 2017, 08:21:12 pm
I've added a longer list of links to other people's blogs and videos at the end of my own short blog. I've added a short one-liner about each blog/video.
https://yorkbadger.wordpress.com/about/london-edinburgh-london-2017-experience-of-a-novice-audaxer/
Happy to add any links I have missed - I think I've captured most of the blogs I have seen on YACF as well as a few others.
Stephen
Nice one! They will all be useful in about three and half years 8)
Really enjoyed the variety of experiences from the front, the back and the international.
Post by: Darren Franks on 12 September, 2017, 01:57:06 pm
(https://theadventurecapitalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/img_0908.jpg)
Post by: Ajax Bay on 19 September, 2017, 05:19:53 pm
Below is my London-Edingbrough-London story. Don’t see it in any way as a failure, and certainly not as an excuse alibi, but tried sincerely to give my feelings of "A four and a half days amazing adventure in the UK".
Preview
After Paris-Brest in '15 and Mille Miglia '16 in London, 17 was in London for a while. It was barely a month after the French "mother of all Randonneurs rides" the one Frank Steenput made us mad to write already for something similar in the UK. A ride with wind and rain is guaranteed, so the cliché goes. But sometimes clichés reflect likely reality.
After the summer of '16 I had mentally a difficult winter. I literally cracked in the BRM 200-drive Wachtebeke early December. Oh irony, namely the drive to Heimat and the tomb of one Frank VDB. The attempt to immediately jump on the bandwagon of the new "Year Around Brevet" of Rondonneurs proved a big mistake for me. Certainly when the January ride was canceled by the weather. Knowing that I used to be the subtropical type I did not even think so much. What followed were 3 really hard-working months ...
Well, the annual festival of the Belgian Randonneurs.be was on the agenda in mid-February. The week before I had been a little fiddling with the practical arrangements for the adventure of summer 2017. This time I could not count after all, the perfect organization talent Geert Lammens, who chose a new Italian adventure in late June. On Booking.com I already booked 3 nights at The Bell Hotel in Epping. According to the data I found at 10km from Loughton, the starting point of our London adventure. Would at the randonneurs party sometimes hear what the other Belgian participants were their plan? Perhaps I found a companion on the route.
This proved to be a good estimate because Andy Claeskens, who had been driving the Randonneurs for several years, proved to be very interested. For him it will be his first big foreign adventure. Strong he is quite enough, but rather liked the experience I gained in recent years in such events. The idea with the car to drive there, he saw also sit the first informal agreements have already been made. But we still had plenty of time later in the year to materialize everything. There was also a discussion about choice of start hours and dropbag places, randonneurs among them.
The choice was on Sunday July 30th between 6am and 8am, then you got 100 hours (formula, sleep, eat, bike) or the 117 hours: this gave you a lot more margin, but you could only start between 9am and 4pm. Not that this should make the difference to me. Was tempted to try to start as early as possible and ready to make a long first day.
So I wanted to avoid as much as possible night riding. My plans to install had indeed fallen into the water with a hub dynamo headlight for winter '16 -'17. Had nevertheless vowed after the Mille Miglia that had to be in order against the LEL. Experience has taught me now that you have to run very fast to complete such journeys with no night work during 3 to 4 days.
So later, in April, was finally chosen to start to go for 6am start and BagDrop Thirsk and Edinbrough drop. Aim would therefore be the first day 407km ride, continuation of the tactical plan was Monday night, end of the 2nd day, to sleep at the turning point in Edinbrough. The Tuesday would then be evaluated. Theory, all beautiful, though I normally do such things usually good estimate.
Did not we used to know each other not so long and so well, it turned right clicking well one way or another. The small contacts we had for the practical arrangements, usually via messenger, went very smoothly. Andy and I would be in the same starting block. Really agreed to ride together was not there. Neither did I know that Andy was doing a suit above my level. In addition, in the spring I suffered with severe stress factors, causing me even severe sleep disorders. My (bike) resistance was completely undermined. In late April, early May I was thinking even to cancel everything.
I would like to thank a few people who supported me in this difficult period. So Yves Verstuyf waited with Lieven Eggermont me several times during my first BRM 200 in Tournai, notwithstanding I exhorted them to ride on.
However, a real turning point in morality was the "400" in Tournai, where we coincided with 5 women / husband all day, namely Liesbeth, Steven, Arlindo, Bernard and myself. It was a long but inspiring day! Since then was in my head, I had more than two months to be ready for LEL. Furthermore stood the meantime for me, classical BRM 600 Great Bigard (3rd participation in a row) and the RM-1200 Herentals Cosne-Herentals (fourth consecutive participation) on the program.
This should be sufficient preparation. Did I know that I could never get my level from Mille Miglia '16, and certainly not that of PBP '15, but was still satisfied with the form.
Andy picked me up at home on Friday July 28th, 2 days before the event, well acclimatizing is important. And without stress all starting formalities can perform also gives mental rest. The ferry boat allowed us to leave our everyday worries on the continent. My booking at "The Bell Hotel" turned out to be a bullseye. Exploring by bike, this proved to be only 5 kilometers from the start site! On Friday night, we politely greeted the Facebook invitation for a welcome party by London's Hackney Randonneurs club, a good 20km by bike along the Thames.
On Saturday we pulled out of a short city trip "London by bike", while we traveled by train to London Bridge. Then we stopped at a kind of pop-up bar: "Look mum, no hands". After a delicious coffee, we put our site on to The Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, Big Ben and Westminster Cathedral.
The obligatory pictures in the world-renowned red British phone booths should of course not be missing. By 16:00 we had to be back at the Davenant Foundation School. After all, we had a free photo rendezvous with the other Belgian participants. Was a cozy affair in a friendly atmosphere.
I also saw some known faces of "all over the world" of my previous adventures. "Randonering, it's a small world after all"
Then Andy and I were eating in Epping a mile further than our Hotel. The weather welcomed us with a hot shower. Wannes Vermaercke, who I learned during PBP '15 would still join us in the Fish and Chips. For me, just "Chips". Fortunately, the fries are fries! The rest of our evening was filled with bicycle preparation and of course the CB ritual, in which Andy willingly led.
After a short but refreshing night's sleep, we finally managed to get started. 2 kilometers far, I realized a first practical omission: that is, I had planned to hide a bottle of Chimay Blue at the school premises for after the finish on Thursday. What did you think, the precious thing got forgot in Andy's car ... Sorry! The first fast group just left away when we got there. It was also practical that you could already eat / breakfast at the starting place from 4am, there were even rosties!
Day 1 Loughton-Thirsk, 407km 15:52
6am were Andy and I, the only Belgians start in the B group. Together with 23 others. The first stage was 100km to St-Ives. From the beginning there was a fairly tight pace on a mostly wavy course. I soon realized that I was in the climbing work with our group's lesson. Was either the somewhat lesser condition than in previous years or maybe little too heavily loaded bike, who knows. Many things were not overlooked, which I did not really think wisely. Maybe a pace 2km per hour slower group was slightly longer held together and everyone would eventually have taken advantage here.
For a mandatory stop on a closed road, I could easily take some pictures of our companions. Among other things, a Luxemburger rode in a retro Peugeot sweater. He told us that it was an original of his father, who still rode in the team with Simpson in the 60s. After about 60 km I was alone and rolled on without forcing: about 5 minutes after Andy at the first checkpoint.
The second stage went towards the infamous "Fens", say the dikes. Here Andy felt completely in his mind, our group was now a bit more compact and my feelings became better. Even because the pace was slightly lower. The promised backwind on the first day became an annoying "crosswind", but ah what, we Flandriens are just about.
After 60km we arrived quite quickly in Spalding, where we were warmly welcomed. Because we started in the 2nd group, it was also very quiet at the places of supply. Here and there could have been a joke with one of the many volunteers (volunteers) that this event rich. Above all, a young lady hit me behind the buffet which was very polyglot and jovial!
Up to Louth then, a ride of 83km where we were treated to a LEL experience full option. Wind, rain and self in the distance a lonely thunderstorm. Our group was so different because one already stopped slightly faster than the other to put on rain gear. By the time we finally arrived in Louth started getting drier again. What was noticed that every control did have some variation on meals. Here I bought an extra coke, this was one of the only things that were not included in our registration price.
Around 45 minutes later, we left again, happily in drier conditions than we arrived. This stage of a little 100km led us to one of the symbols of this famous ride, namely the "Humber Bridge", a serious suspension bridge that we had to pass both the way and the way back. (Let me tell you that this bridge even long would have been the longest suspension bridge in the world, do not know if that's right?)
A compulsory photo stop was held here. About 40 miles later we arrived in Pocklington. We were still on track to achieve our goal for that first day, sleeping on the next stop in Thirsk. There were also our first bagdrop with fresh clothes and some shower gear. That night I slept an hour or four. That was all right as much as during my whole Paris-Brest in '15! The shower we held for the morning, which was immediately even one shower more than on the French adventure. To quote my wife: "Men can sometimes be dirty beasts ..."
Day 2, Thirsk-Moffat, 220km 10:25
The first stage that day led us to Barnard Castle, early Andy played with the idea to spend the first night. This was by far the most beautiful control location of the entire ride. An outbuilding of a real castle (Barnard Castle, what's in a name?).
Piercebridge we stopped I asked an extra stop at a gas station, in the morning I have one of my addictions may enslave, namely coffee. First we went to the petrol station's shop, but Andy had soon noticed that there was a truck stop 50m away. After my coffee was on, we went inside. I ordered me a real "omelette nature", because Andy was too hot coffee I got myself still time to buy a 2nd. In retrospect, this "double" stop might be a mistake because, with Daniel De Nijs on my side, this would never have been true. (See conclusion)
At the checkpoint in Barnard Castle we met the first Belgians, men who left after us but (yet) had not slept or less than we. Here I got to chat with Kris Clerckx one who had more than moderate interest in us experiencing. Turn out a freelance journalist who sometimes goes for Grinta! works. We also found Marcel Fieremans, one of the most experienced Belgian randonneurs, who made his LEL debut. With 8 PBPs in his palmares experience is no shortage.
We also saw a British couple for the first time, whose young lady was far above the average beauty side. When they gave each other a hug and we responded to it. Could there laughing with her friend, he spontaneously came up to us to grasp also encourage our firm. The miss could laugh less, the next day I would notice that laughing was not her greatest talent.
Andy and I left here with Marcel, this ride was about Yad Moss, the highest point of the LEL. Already, I had trouble fighting gravity and had to draft Andy and Marcel. Did not feel bad, but did not want to blow me up, even though it became clear that our ways were divorced. It seemed strange that Andy suddenly got back from behind me. He managed to inform me that he go and inspect the sanitation of the local population was ..
For a long time, he was not in my neighborhood, even though I was not lonely. I was able to entertain myself with some British colleagues. A group of a man or 5 who kept driving together. After the beautiful downhill descent towards Alston, I suddenly saw cyclists standing at a supermarket / gas station. Hmm, an ice cream because I felt like in, Kristof mindful I chose a Magnum. That certainly will not hurt, I thought. Now I was solo on the road could I let my mind while riding the run wild, dreaming, I can really enjoy.
When I Brampton stop an hour later I was suddenly approached by a sympathetic American, one Tom (...). He had something more difficult than me and took him into my wheel. Then he thanked me with a medallion with the Golden Gate Brigde. Exactly the same as those of PBP Times 2 years ago, with a similar action. Though my kopwerk now have been as impressive as ever.
On checking at Brampton, I saw Andy, who wanted to borrow £15 for me to buy a new tyre: his was showing quite some wear. Then he went solo and we agreed that we would do keep in touch via our social media. Marcel Inside sat in the refectory still some food. We discussed the options for the next stage. Here you have a clear choice between a flatter A 4km track was longer or B track was "Hilliger". Marcel would go for the first option, I finally opted for the B option. Namely the wind was still inclined to, and reflected in a wavy course there are less affected. Afterwards the good choice was found. A varied trail with scenic views, occasionally threatening clouds in the background. Fortunately, I could largely avoid it.
As I left in Brampton, Pierre-Yves just arrived, a sympathetic Belgian randonneur familkiar from in the Belgian circuit. In the next few days we would meet again a few times. Moffat I reached in the darkness, with thundering clouds in the background. Had to donn my rain jacket and my rainlegs a couple of times. Thus, I decided to complete the day here and cancel the plan to sleep in Edingburgh. The Santos bicycle from Marcel was also there, who slept there too. Meanwhile, I met Kris and Pierre-Yves again on the "dinner". They would also sleep here. Andy was on his way to the turning point and would sleep 80km further on the trail. He thus adhered to my initial plan. After a refreshing shower, I could sleep for 4 more hours, which made me feel very good.
Day 3, Moffat-Barnard Castle, 314km 14:55
From Moffat I went solo after a hearty breakfast at dusk, think about 5am.
It started immediately with a good climb. The roads were in fairly wet and thought to myself "happy I stopped here last night." At 10 kilometers from Edinbrourgh started to be very "black". I was therefore not five minutes when it began to rain for about 10 minutes. Everybody wanted to take pictures, though from the shelter. I offered one to him to take a photo on his bike, but he did not "pose" in the rain. However, this would have been a true LEL picture
At Edinburgh – the turning point - I could get omelette again and played a 4 in (???). Pierre-Yves apparently left Moffat for me because he was already here when I arrived. The refter was here very centrally located in the building and provided with lessons with the wisdom of the great earth, such as Gandhi: "Be the change you want to see in the world." Just before I left, Kris Clerckx also arrived. It was also overwhelmed by the vibes that went here.
The next 2 stages, towards Innerleithen and Eskdalemuir were 43 and 49 km long respectively. I was already fifteen miles further when I realized I did not even pick up my bag in Edingbrough, not that it was so bad, but changing a pair of pants might not have been foolish. The first piece I did again solo, though suddenly accompanied by a Spanish couple climbing goats. Turned out that the hombre drove 7 PBPs and the signorita no less than 5! So it was in "good company". At Innerleithen we were awaited by a Scottish traditional dress, which in the meantime accompanied me to my Facebook profile picture.
I went in with a small group including Kris Clerckx. We had previously been some talk, but now we had more time. We also passed the Abbey Traquair and what a café, egg so after I pulled the brakes here close to follow the suggestion of Patrice Martin. He tipped me about it, as a substitute for my usual CB'tje ... (thanks). Due to the hilly course was our group again one and now I was on the mend, my turbo started to come up to speed after two days. Find yourself that such rides only start after 2 days, you come in a kind of tranche that is difficult to describe in the matter, and the legs that run because they have been in the meantime for over 30 hours.
Therefore, take a few minutes for the rest in Eskdalemuir with my Spanish train. Pierre-Yves was still there and we would leave here together. In vain I tried to buy a beer here. A full fridge was to excel, but with a molslot to. When I asked if I could buy one, they told me they did not have the key in their possession ...
The next stop was again in Brampton where we passed the day before, some posts were used double. Meanwhile Tuesday we were in the early evening and had planned in advance to then take stock and see what was happening within the time limits. The legs were good and moral, so I saw it all the way down to get inside within the 100u25. Plan was even to the 25 'extra we received because of diversions by roadworks not exploit. And those who know me know that if it's in my Kopke ...
Initial plan was to sleep a second time in Thirsk, but delays it was not feasible without a hole in the night to arrive there. Decided together with Pierre-Yves as the Dukes to sleep in a castle, viz. Barnard Castle. Obstacles were however still my Magnum shop in Alston, where autistic could not pass me without stopping. And again the Yad Moss (598m) long which we could climb the other side a little easier.
Almost on top we were pleasantly surprised by Drew with Coffee or Tea in their very practical mobilhome. I made him an offer to purchase on its infrastructure, but he understood my intention not good. He only had the price for which he bought the vichikel. Arrived at our Castle, I still felt pretty fresh, but it was already around midnight. In the next 34 hours I still had to overcome 500km to take my time limit. The adrenaline started to flow and took more time to socialize my way to relax.
In Barnard Castle, on the way to the toilet I passed the drop bags (here I did not lie) and was accosted by one Sue. She asked me how I went and immediately left. I told her I was going to sleep for a couple of hours later. She reminded me to the morning to ask her. She had a special therapy for me.
Meanwhile, I also decorated a mass takes place in a friendly Italian specifically volunteer from Verona was flown. Did that say goodbye! Eventually, I was led by another Brazilian "volunteer" to a dormitory, outside 500 meters further in a sports hall. A relaxing evening walk before going to sleep. Had meanwhile already at an hour or 2. Early wake me at 4:30, but the adrenaline I was already awake at 4:15.
Day 4-5, Bernard Castle-Loughton, 500km 25:07
"If you do not want to be believed, speak the truth"
When I left the dorm Sue sat there with a fellow volunteer, as if by chance. Was very impressed with this "coincedence" strange feeling. I told her that I woke up with the song of Johnny Cash, "A Boy Named Sue" and showed her the YouTube version of Wouter Deprez "Jaonge genomd An", a hilarious West Flemish version of my fellow shire. (https://youtu.be/m1b-jr-ZJQo)
She asked me to keep my palms and placed in each hand a silver star with the words "today you are the star", then we said goodbye. Special lady!
At breakfast I found Pierre-Yves back to, I think, a half hour than I had slept. But I had gained a lot of energy, through the massage and meeting with Sue. Think that Pierre-Yves got to know me another way in those famous 2 days. At about 5 am I traveled along with Pierre-Yves Castle of the Castle on my way to the special mission ... Ready for a hot day and night for the last 7 stages.
Not even 10km further I suddenly felt a debris at the back. I reminded prosecute Pierre-Yves in his way. I would only do the job. When I was pumping, the couple, with the girl who could not laugh, passed our first Bernard Castle passage. Lost a small 10 "here, not bad but could do better but not many have such a delay. The rest of the trip to Thirsk went smoothly and I bumped in with Pierre-Yves.
Went a little home because I slept the first night here. Thus could again use my BagDrop and benefited them to rearrange somewhat my luggage (read: lighten) and again to attract a fresh dry pants. Could also order a "Pasta Nature" and kept the home front informed via social media.
Meanwhile, I had to receive Peptalk from Liesbeth via Messenger: "Singing songs!".
"Nothing or nobody stop me" (Bart Peeters)
I left again with Pierre-Yves and a few others.
The legs were great again to feel, to know that feeling of inexhaustible of earlier multi-day trips (PBP and especially my Belgian RMs as Herentals-Cosne-Herentals and Brussels Strassburg-Brussels).
At our home hangs an astros coop (dated December '96) that makes an analysis of the combination between my zodiac fish and my Chinese character pig, then stated that this combination provides: "This type of boar will not give easy win. You can be sure that he has an endurance endurance. The tough Metal Zwijn actively rises with all its enormous positive strength and has strength for ten. "
(Picture is still following ...)
Not that I was stronger, but the decay is usually less than the riders around me. Without accelerating I also rode solo away from this group with Pierre-Yves, looking for personal glory. The course also helped. There were wavy "wells" (Wouter De Ruyck, something for you) that I could keep on a good pace. The melody of "Nothing or nobody loves me" wandered through my brain.
Continues!
Post by: Ajax Bay on 19 September, 2017, 05:20:58 pm
After Howard Castle we had to cross a busy four-lane road (2X2). Take a little too enthusiastic about it and left the waiting file cars to get a glimpse of the traffic. Here I almost misunderstood the British left riders, because just as I passed the first waiting car a terrain torn a 5 centimeter of my front wheel torn. In a reflex full of brakes and tilted like "a real beginner with click pedals" on my left against deck. The driver next to me immediately stepped out to check on I was Ok. I could confirm this happily. Outside a bleeding knee and left leg lightly soiled I came off lightly, phew!
A second small setback but "nothing and nobody ...". Had to be mentally welcomed. Had the next 23km to the checkpoint in Pocklington. There I could eat rice with peas and fries. Spoke also an Italian who was the night before after a collision with an animal in the forest, giving causes. My Spanish friends from the previous day were here too. About 10 minutes after me Pierre-Yves also came here. I told him I believed in it and it would be up to now for the last 360km. When I left, he wished me a success!
On the route to Louth, 97km, again we had to cross the Humber Bridge. Immediately felt that the wind does not really going to be an ally, but what ah ... Now I could really miss all further setback to take my time limit 100u. But my accounts still knocked. The physical preparedness was Ok, the spirit lucid. In other words, I had all the confidence in the good run!
As this was the longest stage I was looking after the Humber Brigde the supermarket I had noticed on the way up. I passed some 3 cyclists who were fiddling with their GPS ... Found in the supermarket are not directly and individually wrapped Magnums board follow Kristof ( "Eat there five consecutively" ed.), I did not sit right. Then the recipe of another Belgian randonneur applied, chocomelk. (Thanks Bart, alias "Mr No picture", Van Daele).
When I left here solo again after fifteen minutes turned the GPS track to have strange cures. For he took no streets, but showed a straight line (handy for the birds, but the bike ...). I panicked and thought not only on my intuition to find my job the way. It soon turned out that my infamous natural compass this time was not infallible, but then the paper version of the route taken as above and in the "good old days" the locals to assist asked how I could get on my route to Kirmington. Two friendly islanders helped me on the right path!
Due to this delay, I lost precious time, as it would later prove! Was glad when I noted referrals to Croxton airport, this was known for my trip on Sunday. The next 40km to Louth was a sologic battle with the wind without much story. But felt well and calculated that despite my recent adventure everything was still feasible ... When I asked the refectory Louth came in, I looked down to my surprise Pierre-Yves. He also shocked my presence a bit. I told my experience. Apparently they were informed in Pocklington in connection with the route problems. I just missed it. Later heard that some set up the track and drove to the direction. That way, you see that, despite some randonneur experience, I still make "expensive" mistakes. But you have to watch so much and think so much of those moments.
Here you could "mashed potatoes" and have made me too well to four plates! Loved my wife: "Another good 260km". "Tomorrow?" She asked. I told her that I "Efkes" going to continue this evening ... (a lie). Efkes I think it's over, "the 100u are going to fly ..." but then my mental elemental force came up, 260km to go, it was 21h and had basically 10u25 time until the next morning. Provided a short night, you probably know a long bike eight, had to succeed this
Pierre-Yves was seated to leave again soon. Was not really dark, but it began to get dark. The night driving enthusiasts give as one of the advantages that the wind at night is "lie." Was this efkes a misconception that night! It apparently was the night that proved the rule (from the French "l'exception qui confirme le règle"). But the moral was in the zenith, so I didn’t stop. Somehow there was a train with six other cyclists. Only Pierre-Yves and myself were mainly the engineers on duty. We also had a Swiss couple who had met Pierre-Yves several times. Thus our group grew with the falling darkness.
To my dismay appeared here another (technical) problem, namely my Sigma Evo karma lamp failed to work! (Probably above mentioned fall) As long as I was guided in my back no problem with headlamps with hub dynamo, but wanted to say that I had to search allies for driving the night. The feeling of being dependent on others I found frustrating. Pierre-Yves calmed me and said that I will be allowed to take his backup lamp after the stop in Spalding. Meanwhile, we drove through a moderate night wind at about 20km / h. Suddenly behind us, there were 5 headlamps that approached quickly. From my cyclo past I know that look back sometimes is a good idea to anticipate. Thus, too.
It turned out to be a German high speed train passing by with a rotvaart. Personally I liked it once again to surrender the "driver’s seat" and therefore hopped on and Pierre-Yves followed, and the rest of our party too. But our new neighbours felt it necessary to increase the speed systematically. Everything on a ribbon now and knew that you're better off easing off. Suddenly we drove to 30kph and then our group lead stopped. Pierre-Yves asked whether those men went by night, and apparently they confirmed that to him. Later, I was left alone with five German bears, though there was one bear at! Felt that they wanted to throw me overboard, but before that they got lost. On the contrary, one of them was in trouble. So we arrived at Spalding about 5 minutes after Pierre-Yves.
It appeared that the Mannschaft yet decided there to sleep. Pierre-Yves provided me with the promised back-up lamp, USB rechargeable Leyzne lamp. That should be my overnight lead . After a relatively short break I went solo as a thief in the night. The next ride was only 60km to St Ives. Now I went to the infamous, among LEL cyclists, Fens (dikes, ed.).
Enjoyed it here a different advantage of night driving, despite the headwind drove a pace where I was not blowing. This would allow me once again day was on pace to drive, I thought.
The Leyzne lamp was perfect even, I think more light than my Sigma light, I always use the low mode to save battery.
As if the devil was involved there now appeared another technical problem. My Garmin 800 found it necessary to get stuck! Luckily I was sitting here with two Britons and a Pole. Who I would be able to navigate to St Ives with ... The pace was very mediocre, something too slow to my mind. But without navigation a solo ride was not an option.
When my British companions wanted to take a bathroom break and I joined in, but our Polish friend rode on. Here I made a fatal mistake by not going with him, it appears in retrospect. Once again I sat at a frustrating (ly slow) pace. Even think that I could not hide it in front of my companions. Great was my surprise then when I suddenly 10m behind me, "STOP" heard cries. Never made it, it appeared that they were going to stop for a break to stretch!?!?
At a mile or 5 of the following stamp check, I suddenly saw traffic signs with "St-Ives", and my natural built-in GPS began to recognize the way of the road. Immediately the signal to leave this unlucky duo and drive a prologue. When I arrived, I asked a bit about my drivers if they could not get the route again on my Garmin. The already great "volunteers" calm me down and said that there was someone who would fix that for me.
Turned out that I just had to reset the GPS, strange because after the restart, even the tracks were still there. Even I did not lose all my LEL registrations! Did they say that it would be cut to reach my 100u limit, but joked one of them: "You're going to make it, and Phil is un understanding guy ...". Another "volunteer" offered me a hot cup of tea, tasted like I drank 2 immediately.
I decided to lay the ground for 5 minutes in the refter for a power cut. Early if they wanted to wake me up, but that did not turn out to be necessary. After invoking efkes, I spontaneously woke up again, the man knew me to say it was exactly 5 minutes, very strange. I learned the powernap recipe I applied during the Mille Miglia last year (not Joris Cosyn?), It works perfectly. Also because I had slept for almost three hours in total for the three nights.
At 3 o'clock I left again solo here. So still had 7 hours to finish the last 120km, it's in my mind, I thought ...Before I left, I also informed Rider "B4", Andy Claeskens, not yet arrived in Great Easton. I felt a little strange as it was only 72km away. Would he have stopped somewhere to sleep efkes, did I wonder?
Now all my technical problems (lighting, navigation) of the track were thought to be full. Very long I would not drive in the dark anymore, so that was a good idea! At the dawn, at times I had some difficulty concentrating. Yes, that's classically the hardest moment of driving through the night.
What followed was a major disillusionment ... Since it was my first LEL participation, I could not use one of my strongest weapons, such as parcour knowledge. I was expecting a slightly heavier course than during the train ride to St-Ives, but I did not expect the caves I had here. Due to my health problems this spring, even until the beginning of May, I thought to cancel my participation in the LEL, I had too little work done to analyze the trail thoroughly.
Soon I became aware of how even a strong Andy had not checked in at Great Easton at 3 o'clock. Have already been sitting alone all day, but I could not. The hellinkies followed fast at the last 20km for the Great Easton Primary School. As a result, I only arrived around 9am, which meant I only had a good hour left to finish the last 40km. Here it was all about me that the game was over to arrive within the 100-hour time limit.
Decided to eat something quiet, meanwhile I received a messenger message from Andy that he came in at 98:45. I wished to congratulate him and asked him if the last 40km was better than the previous 72km. He confirmed me and that gave me new courage. I predicted my suspicious arrival at 12 o'clock. He was planning to take a shower and put him to sleep in the school there. Meanwhile, two more participants entered the hall. They were still in a hurry, probably leaving for a later starting group last Sunday. They asked me if I did not want to turn around towards Loughton. First of all, I saw that, but when she was already 150 meters ahead of me in the first descending mileage, I was thinking about why I should go to the hole? My goal was no longer achievable.
Not that I tricked, but began to analyze what was going wrong. In other words, the movie of the past days and months, I started to roll my brain. What Andy just passed on, it seemed to be a bit milder, it was ideal cycling weather. I really enjoyed it. With the mileage approaching the London region, traffic was also slightly drier, sometimes a traffic light. I did not mind, the bubble was still soap ("Ollemalle after the Wuppe" would sing Wannes of the Sixth Metal).
As a result, I entered the school grounds at the Davenant Foundation School at 12.30. Was just a little longer than 2 hours for that stage. Concluding the conclusion that this would have been just an hour, I had to be involved with those two fast men.
So a head full of mixed emotions was my part. On the one hand, completely satisfied with the legs and condition of the past 2 days. I also enjoyed the fun in the UK last week. But on the other hand, too, a feeling has failed. Already considered positive, certainly considering the whole history! Meanwhile, much has been analyzed as to where it went wrong. Conclusion is very simple, "It's all coincidences, but it's what is is!" ("A set of circumstances, but it's supposed to be")
Conclusion:
Meanwhile, three weeks after the trip, I came to the conclusion. In view of all circumstances, I have to look back on my British adventure. The disadvantage of exceeding my proposed time limit is that my ride is not homologated, nor is it on the finishers list ...
Does not matter to me, but this does mean that I'm not in the running for the "Gran Brevetto Europe". Purpose is to drive such a ride for 4 years in different European countries (already had PBP in '15 and Mille Miglia in '16 ...) Still told Phil and Daniel to correct this practical problem, but it was hard and inexorable: "Out of time, is out of time", hopefully they read my story one day ...
Below, in random order, 10 reasons why I did not get it:
• Still not having a hub dynamo
• On top of that, the breakdown with broken headlight and unexpected GPS
• The problems with the GPS track after the second pass on the Humber Bridge
• lack of parcour knowledge and insufficient research in advance (admitted, a beginner error)
• The choice to go absolutely for the 100h. If I started at 9 am, I probably left for less than 100 hours ...
• The lesser form due to the health issues mentioned earlier
• The weather conditions: tail wind in the start were replaced by crosswind and on the last night a wind that did not want to fall
• The pictures and the fun, it's not a match and has already become 200% randonneur. The amusement competition always precedes the "competition"
• My 2 British colleagues who needed to keep a "streching break" last night
• Daniel De Nys did not have to be on my side like in Paris-Brest, listening better to him then at times Then to my wife = Again I do not apologize and see the fun.
Meanwhile, the first plans to drive in '18 Madrid-Gijon-Madrid are already breeding.
Be sure, with hub dynamo this time!
Grtz and thank you for reading,
Post by: alotronic on 06 October, 2017, 11:49:48 am
The second half of my LEL write-up is finally live. https://theadventurecapitalist.wordpress.com/2017/09/12/lel-2017-part-2/
(https://theadventurecapitalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/img_0908.jpg)
And it is awesome, a great read.
Post by: Graeme on 24 October, 2017, 04:25:19 pm
https://vimeo.com/239332613
My blog was written straight after LEL as a memory dump of what had happened. http://balancingontwowheels.com/2017/08/remembering-london-edinburgh-london/ despite this when we met up in York for a post-LEL booze-up there were loads of other stories which came flooding out. Perhaps those things are best left with a veil over them.
The only thing I've been waiting for is the data: http://balancingontwowheels.com/2017/10/lel2017-self-indulgent-data/ - this is a totally self-indulgent blog post and probably only of interest to me. Getting the data hasn't been easy, I wondered when Phil might release it. Thankfully I was able to get screen prints of my rider data. It has been helpful to see where I gained and lost time - mainly from a comparing 'the plan' with 'actual'. Will this help me in 2021? Well, the tips of my fingers are beginning to recover from numbness, so maybe in another 3 years I'll have forgotten how hard it was.
So. #LEL2017 - thanks for the memories. Goodnight and goodbye.
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 24 October, 2017, 07:23:47 pm
I was subjected to musicals in my youth, as I had to read parts for my Mother as she drove, and she rehearsed her role, so I know a surprising amount about the plots of Rogers and Hammerstein's works, hence the apparently unlikely reference to 'The King and I' in the article. The Thais at LEL had references to their late King on their shirts as well, the descendant of the King played by Yul Brynner.
It's always difficult to find music that's older than 50 years for the soundtrack of films, so LEL 2009 had songs from musicals in it, including 'Getting to Know You' from the King and I. I can reference my own films of LEL back to 2001, and PBP back to 2003, so there are loads of possibilities for in jokes, and tangential references.
It was an enormous relief to finish LEL 2017, as my eyes are getting marginal for night motorcycling. I had my second deatached retina around Christmas, and that's caused a cataract, and I'm on the waiting list for an operation. Meanwhile I've got a lot of work on, which is good, but it does mean I'm not doing much editing, as the returns on that are a tiny fraction of the amount that real work generates.
At some point they'll whack a new lens in my right eye, and I'll be supposed to avoid exertion for three weeks. That should give me time to throw something together. I might even write an article for Arrivee, as that can be useful in providing an outline for a film.
Post by: mr ben on 24 October, 2017, 09:12:31 pm
Post by: Peter on 26 October, 2017, 09:11:32 pm
Post by: grams on 23 November, 2017, 04:46:05 pm
https://medium.com/@grahamparks/lel-2017-3e6dbb12a410
Post by: DCLane on 23 November, 2017, 11:00:02 pm
I wrote this a while ago. Apologies if it's a bit dull:
https://medium.com/@grahamparks/lel-2017-3e6dbb12a410
Thanks for this Graham - my thoughts, given that you started an hour after me, are that the time spent in controls meant you got further and further behind. Less food available meant being slower still and tiredness eventually caught up with you.
How much of your own food were you carrying? I had a lot with me, which meant much shorter stops. It also meant I didn't rely so much on controls.
It's all learning ... and 2021's not that far away :P
Post by: grams on 24 November, 2017, 12:17:33 pm
Thanks for this Graham - my thoughts, given that you started an hour after me, are that the time spent in controls meant you got further and further behind. Less food available meant being slower still and tiredness eventually caught up with you.
Yeah, I hadn't done an event with large full service controls before so it was definitely an experience learning what a massive time sink they could be.
I think my on-the-road speed didn't suffer that match and was still compatible with success. Something like 86 hours moving time, or 90 hours between controls. This LEL was lost at the controls.
Quote
How much of your own food were you carrying? I had a lot with me, which meant much shorter stops. It also meant I didn't rely so much on controls.
Only snacks - I put myself entirely at the mercy of the controls. Next time I'll make sure I have backup supplies (or at least know where to buy them) if the controls let me down.
Post by: grams on 26 November, 2017, 09:36:37 pm
(http://www.fondantfancies.com/lelmedal.jpg)
Post by: robert french on 27 November, 2017, 05:24:07 pm
Not only was the recumbent rider ridiculously young, but he didn't have a beard either - very strange - a guardian angel perhaps?
Post by: Ajax Bay on 08 December, 2017, 02:02:37 pm
"Massively late, but my LEL 2017 blog post. One of the most epic weeks of my life."
http://www.testsubject1.com/2017/12/LEL2017.html
Post by: Ajax Bay on 08 December, 2017, 05:46:04 pm
LEL - THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS GOING WRONG
LEL - London Edinburgh London: 1450 km across England and Scotland
In summary: Yes, we have finished ... in time and happy to have succeeded without too much suffering. Happy and proud - considering that out of 1,500 participants, around 800 have finished the great adventure.
First my video:
https://youtu.be/xAmCNGiDjzM
Things went wrong even when travelling by car to England. Coolant water indicator signals "Stop, fill the water!" so every hour we have to top up the water. But where does the water go? Hermann suspects that it mixes with oil ... In London, instead of concentrating on LEL preparations, we have to look for a garage. For me there is an advantage: my thoughts are distracted from LEL.
No excitement ... at least not on the LEL. I would usually check my "Bag drop" a dozen times. Fortunately, a mechanic will take care of the car.
After registration on Saturday and a quiet night our start on Sunday is at 10.45. Before that we greeted other groups.
Worrying weather forecast: In addition to rain - wind - wind - wind ...
Ready? Set! Go! In the group of about 30 cyclists at the beginning there are frenetic overtaking manoeuvers. I wonder if this is a race - slightly a bit.
Hill after hill, then flat. The tail wind pushes us onwards. At Louth it's our bag drop, we want to sleep a little there.
My idea was to sleep about 4-5 hours the first and also the next 4 nights. Dream on!
Three checkpoints on the first day. Already by the first evening I'm confusing the checkpoints ... Which was the one with the traditional desserts? Where did we eat the very delicious mini-pasta (faggiolinis?)? I must say that I think we ate very well everywhere. Even the first sections in front of my eyes are also mixed up: at the beginning they are very similar with those fields and villages. How will it be after 18 stages and 12 checkpoints? 7 of which are reached on the way out and 7 on the way back.
I had a neat, printed time and distance plan as I envisaged our ride. Even by the end of the first day it changed and I lost the plan the next day. So I did not always have to compare plan and reality and feel bad if we are behind compared to the plan.
At first we are even faster because of the wind. But then come the first serious hills ... And even my idea of sleeping is not so much the same as I would have imagined.
There are only three hours because then there are people who are waiting. In any case, I could not sleep anyway and rushed into the dream kingdom for only about an hour.
We pedal. It's still dark. Quite chilly. Shortly after that it is becoming light on the horizon. Beautiful colours. Just light ... a strange noise and I notice that the air comes out of my front wheel. I shout, but Hermann cannot hear me. Start getting everything out. But I'm really a snail. I cannot imagine that other people change the inner tube within 10 minutes. My hub dynamo wheel has no quick release and I have to dig the necessary tools from the back of my luggage. Everything else on the street, clothes, toothbrush, towel, things to eat ... Finally the tools ... In the meantime, Hermann is back and dedicates himself to the task. He's a lot more experienced ... This is why I can never go faster with this kind of work. I suspect it must be a splinter or something like that. So we put in a new inner tube ... rather he puts it in ... and I order my things as befits a woman. Hahaha !!!
We continue pedaling. The Humber Bridge. Wonderful sunrise over the Humber River.
Then we continue through the fields. And "pfffft" - My wheel goes flat again. With a knife Hermann looks to find something in the tire of the wheel. And here - a tiny glass shard. The road! To Pocklington.
Pocklington: good meals again. It's a lot. I do not need anything to eat between control points. Actually I feel like a ruminant animal ... Heartburn. My throat burns. I'm not used to the food: I like it very much but it’s cooked with more fat. Now the first serious stage with a difference in height. The landscape is wonderfully panoramic. Up and down through the Castle Howard park land. Stages follow to Thirsk and Barnard Castle. Shortly after Thirsk we meet Vonni but then Hermann breaks his gear cable. He can ride only in one big gear, but fortunately there are not many slopes. Relatively flat. Relatively ... at least for us that will change ... Hermann goes on faster - we hope the mechanics at the next checkpoint (Barnard Castle) can help. The Barnard Castle school seems to be an ancient castle. Meals are available in the main hall. Wonderful rooms. We eat while Hermann's bike is in good hands. There are difficulties and after two hours we are still there. The derailleur cable cannot be made taut. If the problem cannot be resolved, I must continue pedaling alone. Help!! More than half the distance to go! Several cyclists give a hand - thank you very much! Thank God everything will be fine and we can continue - together. The landscape changes. We reach the mountains of the North Pennines. Climb. And it starts to rain. At the end of this stage we want to take a break to sleep. Pedal and pedal. But it seems to us that the end is moving further and further away. We will be there [at Brampton] in the middle of the night. A waiting list is in front of the dormitory. Shower. We eat something and we line up. We will get an inflatable mattress and two blankets. I put the plugs in my ears. I'm concentrating on finding out if I still feel something. But still with the ear plugs I hear loud snoring. Counting sheep to fall asleep does not work. But then, after (it seems to me) a long time, I get lost in the dream kingdom. To be woken up immediately. It's already been three hours? It is already dawn when we leave. And soon it starts to rain. Hard. I wear all rain clothes. Of course, then the rain stops. The border with Scotland. Photo. Then we continue through the Scottish hills to Moffat, where we have a fantastic breakfast. We meet Petra and Gernot.
Then mountains and an infinitely long valley. Funny, because I can talk in English (fragmented) with Corinne, an American girl who also speaks a bit of German. Edinburgh. Halfway!! The sun beams from the sky. I put to dry all my wet stuff. I hanf it all around the bike and put the bag open so the rest of the clothes dry. Waiting for meals. However, we have to queue for about half a mile. After I apply the sunscreen and go out ... Nooooooooo !! There has been a real downpour. All my clothes not just wet like before, but soaking. Somewhere in the back of my bag you can find a pair of dry socks. Now I can use my plastic bags. So I did not pack them for nothing. With dry feet in the bags ... a wonderful idea - a patented recipe for warm feet. The remaining wet stuff is hung around the bike: pity I forgot the clothes pegs. I look like a tramp. Shortly thereafter it starts raining again. Violently. I throw myself in rain clothes that after the "soak" are wet even inside. But at some point someone turns off the tap and stops the rain. And the clothes dry quickly, because you ride in the wind; no, against it ... The wind in the mountains is still a relatively harmless breeze. But this is forecast to change the next day. Up to 40 ... no not kph – miles per hour ... sheep, sheep, sheep. I'm counting them ... and the tiredness reaches me ... That did not work at night – but counting sheep on the bike works brilliantly. The next check is Innerleithen. Volunteers welcome us in tartan skirts, again there are very tasty dishes, especially desserts. And then you go up. Again steeply. A chat with Nadia and Enzo, who make the way with the tandem - great! After Exdalemuir, another stage awaits us in the dark. Pedal and pedal. Stopping is not very nice ... there are thousands of "midges" - very small mosquitoes that jump over me when I stop. I hope not to bite ... In Brampton, another dorm waiting for us, is around midnight again. We do not have much time to rest and so after a little breakfast at dawn we got back on our bikes. Now everything is going the opposite way. Sometimes I see places I recognise from the way out. Big difference: we have a strong wind against us and now our legs are not fresh. Sometimes a shower catches us and this means: dressing, undressing, dressing and so on. The hours fly quickly by and again the night is upon us. In fact, we wanted to sleep in the next check, in Louth, but we're still in Pocklington and it's already completely dark. I am very tired and I would like to sleep an hour, but we decide to continue our journey, still 97 kilometers to Louth. According to Hermann, we do not have to spend a lot of time there. False hope. After another puncture for Hermann, his third: our mood is at its lowest point. But the situation should get worse ... The journey never ends. Rain, rain, rain, rain, rain. Flooded streets. Fatigue. Fatigue. Shots of sleep. Humber Bridge in the dark. Then forest, forest, forest, forest. I see a light. Light? A voice, "Hi Gabi, I'm Robin". Hallucinations? Who knows me here at the end of the world? In the dark? Robin had fallen asleep in the saddle, fallen, and lost his Garmin somewhere in the long grass. In vain we help to look for it. Standing, my weariness disappears for a while. We continue. We meet another group. Susi and his friends. They got lost and took an hour to get back on track. What a pity. In that circumstance I might have had a hysterical attack. Now it is not much further (to the control) and together we travel better. Hermann had calculated badly, we spent almost double the time scheduled for this stage. The deserved rest. Two and a half hours of sleep. This time I fall asleep immediately without counting and without the noises around annoying me. Soon we were back in the saddle. Puncture twice. Rain every so often. We are in a good mood and we hope to be able to do it on time. A Eurofighter above us brings a little diversity in the day still young. What speed of the plane! Not like us ... And we slow down even more. And this on the stages in the flatlands ... The wind, sometimes a stiff breeze from the front, then again gusty on one side. We are not lucky, another flat ..., thank goodness still on the bank of the canal that we follow and not on the busy road to St. Ives. The wind seems to rob me of all energy.
I am very happy to have arrived at the penultimate control. In St. Ives it is already in the late afternoon of Thursday. My project had been to be back at this moment in Loughton. But everything had moved back, so we decided to pause in the last checkpoint, Great Easton. But we have not yet arrived there, we still had to travel about 65 kilometres.
But what a surprise: almost no wind and a nice path on the cycle path along the "guided bus" route to Cambridge. Never seen such a thing: A bus that can go without a driver in a kind of concrete tank. Even the road crossings offer something new: the traffic light setting for horses. When it gets dark we reach Cambridge, a breathtaking setting of historic buildings. On the road I hear my name. Who knows me here? It is Zoe who has retired and is now volunteering. We do not get bored: another flat: my fifth. That's enough! My husband, usually the patience in person reacts slightly hysterical. I take an old tire out of the last corner of my bag. Ready? Road!
Above us of airplanes, every minute one. London is not far. The last checkpoint in a nursery school. Eat. Fall sleep. Then gently shaken by the shoulder. ?? Above me a volunteer and next to him pale and with eyes without expression - the next candidate for the bed. Cozy breakfast. We have no stress ... We still have five hours to spare for the last 44 kilometers. It's still dark. The Hermann bike begins to move frantically: During our stop the air of its rear wheel has come out. Meanwhile, we drilled 9 times ... If this continues, we will not return to Loughton until 8:00. Come on! Fast! I do not want to join the numerous DNFs. We will hear after the finish that 34% withdrew and 11% did not make it in time. Will this be our destiny too? Now; after such a long journey? No, absolutely no!! I want to do everything in my power ... With greater speed as our legs are able to pedal we start from Great Easton.
With the increase of speed we head towards the dawn behind the wheat fields. Wonderful. Sleepy villages. Pedal and pedal. Every strange noise of my bike makes me fear another failure. Once within 10 kilometres of the finish I am a bit 'relaxed’. From here (at worst) I could even walk and I would do it in time. About seven o'clock we arrived in Loughton. I can not believe it yet.
I thought in the worst moments of my journey that I should cry at the finish ... now I'm just happy to be able to share this madness with so many crazy people like us and especially with my husband Hermann.
I meet many old and new friends, we exchange experiences. I am slowly forgetting the suffering (insomnia, fight against the stormy wind, fight against time, tired legs, ...) and these are making room for great pride.
Immediately we have to bring the car into a garage, but this venture is also successful.
This "vacation" by bike was pure adventure, from every point of view.
What did we learn from LEL?
New tyres before an event of this length
Doing a plan is ok, but do not forget, that this is usually not valid for a long time. Better to do as I did: Lose the sheet ...
Counting sheep on a bicycle has an effect that induces sleep. Counting sheep in bed (mattress) does not work - at least for me ....
Plan for reserve time in the plan. This can then be removed from sleep. We did well ... because I had planned to sleep 5-6 hours (but with this abundance of sleep we would not have got to the finish in time ...)
In Scotland, do not put on your rain jackets at the first shower ... it usually stops raining unless you wear nothing ... ahaaaahhaaa
and ... and .... is …. I could quote a lot more, if I could only remember .... No, I'm joking. I think so many things intuitively we did it right. Therefore joy reigns over suffering. LEL 2021? I cannot say it yet, but maybe ...
Post by: Ajax Bay on 04 January, 2018, 07:13:21 pm
http://leedsfitnesstrainer.co.uk/london-edinburgh-london-scotland-bound/
"we still had nearly one hundred miles to ride and it was already seven in the evening [Tuesday]. I knew it would be pretty late (sic) when we’d get back to Brampton…………."
Post by: Graeme on 05 January, 2018, 10:40:01 am
I've had to avoid reading too many blogs, as I wasn't sure if I'd need to add anything to the stuff I wrote for Cycling Plus, and there's a tendency to pick up phrases unintentionally. I've also not published many stills, as it would have been unfair to break C+'s embargo.
I was subjected to musicals in my youth, as I had to read parts for my Mother as she drove, and she rehearsed her role, so I know a surprising amount about the plots of Rogers and Hammerstein's works, hence the apparently unlikely reference to 'The King and I' in the article. The Thais at LEL had references to their late King on their shirts as well, the descendant of the King played by Yul Brynner.
It's always difficult to find music that's older than 50 years for the soundtrack of films, so LEL 2009 had songs from musicals in it, including 'Getting to Know You' from the King and I. I can reference my own films of LEL back to 2001, and PBP back to 2003, so there are loads of possibilities for in jokes, and tangential references.
It was an enormous relief to finish LEL 2017, as my eyes are getting marginal for night motorcycling. I had my second deatached retina around Christmas, and that's caused a cataract, and I'm on the waiting list for an operation. Meanwhile I've got a lot of work on, which is good, but it does mean I'm not doing much editing, as the returns on that are a tiny fraction of the amount that real work generates.
At some point they'll whack a new lens in my right eye, and I'll be supposed to avoid exertion for three weeks. That should give me time to throw something together. I might even write an article for Arrivee, as that can be useful in providing an outline for a film.
It is really good to have your two part film released - and given the effort you've put in I was happy to pay to watch them. We all have our personal experiences of LEL, but the collection of blogs and your film give a wonderful broad picture of the whole thing. From those who experienced heart-ache and distress, to those bouncing along happy as anything. From those who rode in sunshine to those who rode in rain. There seemed to be only two commonalities: It was LEL, and the Fens.
Link https://vimeo.com/ondemand/132873/ to trailer, part one and part two.
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 08 January, 2018, 08:52:31 pm
I got Heather a copy of the film 'Everest' for her birthday, and we watched it with friends on Saturday, I also got her the one book she didn't have about the events on the mountain in 1996.
Watching the film, having read the various accounts, is interesting. I was constantly wondering what has been left on the cutting-room floor, and how that shaped the story. Interested parties will question the judgements made, but the film has to carry those with no pre-knowledge. The LEL film is constructed from events that happened, but they still have to be chosen.
Post by: nammynake on 10 January, 2018, 08:55:16 pm
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pdhsczi1xu4ni6p/LEL%20Report.pdf?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/pdhsczi1xu4ni6p/LEL%20Report.pdf?dl=0)
Post by: mr ben on 01 February, 2018, 11:00:00 am
I wrote this a while ago. Apologies if it's a bit dull:
https://medium.com/@grahamparks/lel-2017-3e6dbb12a410
That was great to read, I could relate to a lot. So glad you got a medal, very well deserved! We must have left Barnard Castle fairly close together heading north.